Sensitivity of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and nasal wash specimens for SARS-CoV-2 detection in the setting of sampling device shortage

In the context of an unprecedented shortage of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) or sample transport media during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, alternative methods for sample collection are needed. To address this need, we validated a cell culture medium as a viral transport medium, and compared the analytical sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in nasal wash (NW), oropharyngeal swab (OPS), and NPS specimens. Both the clinical and analytical sensitivity were comparable in these three sample types. OPS and NW specimens may therefore represent suitable alternatives to NPS for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 crisis, a cell culture medium was validated as a viral transport medium, with oropharyngeal swab and nasal wash specimens showing comparable clinical and analytical sensitivity to nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 detection. This suggests that OP swabs and NW specimens could serve as suitable alternatives to NPS in the context of a shortage.