Comparison of saliva and oro-nasopharyngeal swab sample in the molecular diagnosis of COVID-19.
Author(s): Güçlü E, Koroglu M, Yürümez Y, Toptan H, Kose E, Güneysu F, Karabay O
Publication: Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992), 2020, Vol. 66, Page 1116-1121
PubMed ID: 32935807 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
This paper compared detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID, COVID-19, COVID19), in matched self-collected saliva specimens with healthcare worker–collected oronasopharyngeal swab specimens.
Conclusion of Paper
SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 42.2% of patients and was found in both the saliva and oronasopharyngeal swab specimens in 35.9% of patients, in only the saliva in 6.25% of the patients, and in only the oronasopharyngeal swab specimen for 6.25% of the patients. The diagnostic concordance between the two specimen types was high (κ= 0.744) and was statistically significant.
Studies
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Study Purpose
This study compared detection of SARS-CoV-2 in matched self-collected saliva specimens with healthcare worker–collected oronasopharyngeal swab specimens. Swab specimens were collected by healthcare-workers (details not provided) from 64 patients (42.2% female, 57.8% male) with symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever, cough, and shortness of breath). A single dacron-flocked swab was inserted into the posterior oropharynx, swabbed for 2–3 seconds, then inserted through the nostril until the nasopharynx was reached, rotated gently for 2-3 seconds, and then placed into a tube containing viral transport medium. The patients then collected a saliva specimen into a sterile dry container. All specimens were transported to the laboratory within 1 h. RNA was immediately extracted using a Qiagen EZ1 device and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR.
Summary of Findings:
SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 27/64 (42.2%) patients and was found in both the saliva and oronasopharyngeal swab specimens for 23/64 (35.9%) patients, in only the saliva for four (6.25%) patients, and in only the oronasopharyngeal swab specimen for four (6.25%) patients. The diagnostic concordance between the two specimen types was high (κ= 0.744) and was statistically significant (P<0.001).
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Pneumonia/Respiratory Infection
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform RNA Real-time qRT-PCR Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Biospecimen location Saliva
Oronasopharynx
Real-time qRT-PCR Specific Targeted nucleic acid SARS-CoV-2
Biospecimen Acquisition Method of cell acquisition Healthcare-worker collected swab
Self-collected saliva