Analysis of sputum/tracheal aspirate and nasopharyngeal samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection by laboratory-developed test and Panther Fusion system

In this study, 127 sputum/tracheal aspirate specimens were evaluated by a laboratory-developed real-time RTPCR method and Fusion SARS-CoV-2 assay. These specimens were collected from the patients who have nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples being used for SARS-CoV-2 detection previously or simultaneously. The overall agreement was 96% between the lower respiratory tract (LRT) and NPS samples, suggesting that LRT specimens could be an option for patients who develop a productive cough or those receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found a high overall agreement of 96% between lower respiratory tract specimens and nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 detection, suggesting that lower respiratory tract specimens could be a viable option for certain patient populations. This has important implications for patients with productive cough or those receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.