Pharyngeal and Nasal Swabs May Not Have Adequate Sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2

A study from three hospitals in China of proven SARS-CoV-2 patients demonstrates variable positive rates depending on the sample tested.

In 205 patients with proven COVID-19 (based on isolation of SARS-CoV-2 at least one site), investigators at three hospitals in China (Hubei and Shandong provinces and Beijing) obtained pharyngeal swabs 1 to 3 days after admission. In addition, samples of blood, sputum, feces, urine, nasal swabs, and bronchial brush or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (for intubated patients) were obtained periodically throughout the illness. Testing consisted of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The 205 patients contributed a total of 1070 specimens; they had a mean age of 44 years (range, 5–67 years).

With the denominator indicating specimens obtained (not patients), BAL fluid was positive in 14/15 (93%), sputum 75/104 (72%), nasal swabs 5/…

Reviewing Author

Daniel Kaul, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNobelpharma; Pfizer

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Transplantation (Program Committee)

Daniel Kaul, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNobelpharma; Pfizer

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Transplantation (Program Committee)

Pharyngeal and Nasal Swabs May Not Have Adequate Sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2

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Reviewing Author