A combined oropharyngeal/nares swab is a suitable alternative to nasopharyngeal swabs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2

J Clin Virol. 2020 Jul:128:104442. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104442. Epub 2020 May 16.

Abstract

Given the global shortage of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs typically used for respiratory virus detection, alternative collection methods were evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study showed that a combined oropharyngeal/nares swab is a suitable alternative to NP swabs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, with sensitivities of 91.7% and 94.4%, respectively.

Keywords: COVID-19; Nares; Oropharyngeal; PCR; SARS-CoV-2; SWAB.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Nasal Cavity / virology
  • Oropharynx / virology
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / methods*

Substances

  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic