Nasal-Swab Testing Misses Patients with Low SARS-CoV-2 Viral Loads.

ABSTRACT: The urgent need for large-scale diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 has prompted pursuit of sample-collection methods of sufficient sensitivity to replace sampling of the nasopharynx (NP). Among these alternatives is collection of nasal-swab samples, which can be performed by the patient, avoiding the need for healthcare personnel and personal protective equipment. Previous studies have reached opposing conclusions regarding whether nasal sampling is concordant or discordant with NP. To resolve this disagreement, we compared nasal and NP specimens collected by healthcare workers in a cohort consisting of individuals clinically suspected of COVID-19 and outpatients known to be SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive undergoing follow-up. We investigated three different transport conditions, including trad

SUBMITTER: Callahan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7310639 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature