The point here is that it is totally unreasonable to have to do a PCR-test to be able to get surgery. He is right to feel bad about it. You seem to be encouraging people to take unreasonable tests because "it's nothing".

A seemingly sterile piece of cotton that goes up a very sensitive spot. We don't know, but it has been suggested that they can put hydrogel on the PCR tests. Or use them to take your DNA. Or a million other things you don't want. Why would you trust them when they try to force you to do something nonsensical and uncomfortable?

Perhaps it is a denigration and a risk that is worth it compared to cancer surgery? Could well be that you are right. I am not saying that. All I'm saying is that it isn't "nothing" to allow them access to a spot that is extremely close to our brain "just because".

When weighing risks, I would perhaps chose to take the PCR test to get the surgery (if I believed the surgery was needed), but I would at least try to protest and get away with not doing it. Or perhaps do a rapid test instead.