Improved Method for Collection of Nasal Mucus

Abstract

Specimens of nasal mucus obtained after stimulation of the mucosa with water and nasal washings from 20 volunteers were compared for content of IgA. The median concentration of IgA was 70 mg/dl in nasal mucus and 17 mg/dl in nasal washings concentrated 10-fold. The use of nasal mucus should allow for more accurate determination of nasal secretory antibody activity.