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

Nasopharyngeal swab collection in the suspicion of Covid-19

Antonio Piras  1 , Davide Rizzo  2 , Eleonora Longoni  1 , Nicola Turra  1 , Silvana Urru  3 , Pier Paolo Saba  1 , Lucia Musumano  1 , Francesco Bussu  4
Affiliations

Nasopharyngeal swab collection in the suspicion of Covid-19

Antonio Piras et al. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 Sep-Oct.

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.

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References

    1. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331215/WHO-2019-nCov-IP...
    1. Piras Antonio, MD, RIzzo Davide, MD, PhD, Uzzau Sergio, MD, De Riu Giacomo, MD, Rubino Salvatore, MD, Bussu Francesco., MD, PhD Inappropriate Nasopharyngeal Sampling for SARS-CoV-2 Detection Is a Relevant Cause of False-Negative Reports. Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery. 2020 doi: 10.1177/0194599820931793. In press. - DOI - PubMed
    1. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/331501

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