Nonserologic test for COVID-19: How to manage?

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Infectious Disease Research
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Current Severe Acute Respiratory Coranavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis relies on real-time PCR (RT-PCR) using nasopharyngeal (NPS) or oropharyngeal (OPS) swabs, or saliva.
• Suboptimal diagnostic accuracy is a concern, potentially due to procedural errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate optimal techniques for upper airway secretion collection for non-serologic COVID-19 diagnosis.
• To enhance the reliability of diagnostic testing through improved swab collection methods.

Main Methods:

• Video demonstration of nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) collection under videoendoscopic view.
• Video demonstration of oropharyngeal swab (OPS) collection under videoendoscopic view.
• Video demonstration of deep saliva collection with a throat-cleaning maneuver under videoendoscopic view.

Main Results:

• The video illustrates precise methods for NPS collection, emphasizing nasal cavity navigation and secretion absorption.
• The video details proper OPS collection, including tongue manipulation to prevent oral contamination.
• Techniques for deep saliva collection are shown to maximize sample yield.

Conclusions:

• Elevating the nose tip during NPS collection prevents nasal vestibule contamination.
• Directing the NPS parallel to the hard palate ensures nasopharyngeal access and optimal secretion collection.
• Gentle tongue depression during OPS collection minimizes oral cavity contamination, enhancing diagnostic reliability.