Nasopharyngeal swab collection in the suspicion of Covid-19

Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 Sep-Oct;41(5):102551. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102551. Epub 2020 May 27.

Abstract

RT-PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA on nasopharyngeal swab is the standard for diagnosing active Covid-19 disease in asymptomatic subjects and in symptomatic patients without the typical radiological findings. Nasopharyngeal swabbing appears a trivial procedure, still an inappropriate nasopharyngeal sampling, performed by untrained operators, can be a relevant cause of false negative findings with a clear negative impact on the effort to control the epidemic and, when PPE is not properly used, this can expose healthcare workers and patients to risks of contagion.

Keywords: COVID 19; Nasopharyngeal swab; SARS-COv-2 infection.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / instrumentation
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Nasopharynx / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Specimen Handling / instrumentation
  • Specimen Handling / methods*