Is naso-pharyngeal swab always safe for SARS-CoV-2 testing? An unusual, accidental foreign body swallowing

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical scenario.
• Naso-pharyngeal swabs are widely used for diagnosing respiratory infections like SARS-CoV-2.
• Sharp or long foreign bodies pose a risk of gastrointestinal perforation and complications.

Observation:

• A 47-year-old male accidentally ingested a 7.5 cm wooden fragment of a naso-pharyngeal swab during a SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test.
• The patient was asymptomatic with normal laboratory tests and imaging.
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed under general anesthesia due to the foreign body's size and sharpness.

Findings:

• A broken naso-pharyngeal swab was successfully retrieved from the gastric body using a latex rubber hood and alligator-tooth forceps.
• The endoscopic procedure was performed promptly to avoid potential complications such as perforation or obstruction.
• This represents the first reported case of naso-pharyngeal swab ingestion during SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Implications:

• Highlights a rare but potential complication associated with widespread SARS-CoV-2 testing protocols.
• Emphasizes the importance of prompt endoscopic intervention for sharp gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
• Suggests a need for increased awareness among healthcare providers regarding potential foreign body ingestion during sample collection.