Evidence summary: What is the false negative rate for swab tests for COVID-19 and are there more reliable ways of testing? Are rectal swab tests effective in detecting COVID-19 for patients presenting with gastrointestinal problems? [v2.0]
| dc.contributor.author | National Health Library & Knowledge Service (NHLKS) | |
| dc.contributor.author | Hegarty, Ronan | |
| dc.contributor.author | Surkau, Melanie | |
| dc.contributor.author | Leen, Brendan | |
| dc.contributor.author | Cole, Natalie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2020-07-08T23:39:57Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2020-07-03T09:15:15Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2020-07-03T09:27:21Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2020-07-08T23:39:57Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2020-06-25 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10147/627862 | |
| dc.description | The diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The CDC recommends collection of a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab specimen to test for SARS-CoV-24. Oropharyngeal, nasal mid-turbinate, or nasal swabs of both nares are acceptable alternatives for symptomatic patients if nasopharyngeal swabs are unavailable. A positive test for SARS-CoV-2 generally confirms the diagnosis of COVID-19 but false-negative tests from upper respiratory specimens have been well documented5. It is unclear the exact percentage of tests that produce false negatives but evidence from China proposes that this could be as high as 30%. The sensitivity of testing depends on the type of specimen obtained, the quality of the specimen, the duration of illness at the time of testing and on the precise RT-PCR assay. For upper respiratory tract samples, sample quality depends greatly on the operation of the collectors. To get enough virus infected cells, swabs must be inserted deep enough. In detail, nasopharyngeal (NP) swab must be inserted through the nares parallel to the palate, and oropharyngeal (OP) swab needs to be inserted into posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas. The duration of the illness at the time of testing is crucial if initial testing is negative, but if the suspicion for COVID-19 remains, it is suggested to repeat the test which decreases the chances of failing to identify infected individuals. In such cases it is recommended to test lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens, if possible. | en_US |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Health Service Executive | en_US |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | Evidence summaries | en_US |
| dc.subject | CORONAVIRUS | en_US |
| dc.subject | COVID-19 | en_US |
| dc.subject | INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL | en_US |
| dc.subject | DIAGNOSIS | en_US |
| dc.title | Evidence summary: What is the false negative rate for swab tests for COVID-19 and are there more reliable ways of testing? Are rectal swab tests effective in detecting COVID-19 for patients presenting with gastrointestinal problems? [v2.0] | en_US |
| dc.type | Other | en_US |
| refterms.dateFOA | 2020-07-03T09:15:16Z |
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HSE Library Summaries of Evidence
Evidence summaries and reviews on the management and treatment of Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 and other clinical topics