Higher SARS-CoV-2 detection of oropharyngeal compared with nasopharyngeal or saliva specimen for molecular testing: a multicentre randomised comparative accuracy study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Testing is critical for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the best sampling method remains unclear.

Objectives

To determine whether nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), oropharyngeal swab (OPS) or saliva specimen collection has the highest detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing.

Methods

We conducted a randomised clinical trial at two COVID-19 outpatient test centres where NPS, OPS and saliva specimens were collected by healthcare workers in different orders for reverse transcriptase PCR testing. The SARS-CoV-2 detection rate was calculated as the number positive by a specific sampling method divided by the number in which any of the three sampling methods was positive. As secondary outcomes, test-related discomfort was measured with an 11-point numeric sca

SUBMITTER: Todsen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10511974 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature