Agreement Between SARS-CoV-2 PCR Test Results Using Nasopharyngeal and Mid-Turbinate Specimens Among Asymptomatic Working-Age Adults.
J Occup Environ Med
; 64(9): e575-e578, 2022 09 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2077945
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to determine whether mid-turbinate specimens reliably detect active infection in asymptomatic adults undergoing regular COVID-19 PCR testing.METHODS:
Qualitative agreement between 2481 paired nasopharyngeal and mid-turbinate PCR results was assessed. Mean cycle threshold values for each positive result were evaluated as an indicator of active infection.RESULTS:
Overall agreement between nasopharyngeal and mid-turbinate tests was 98.4%. Positive percent agreement was 37.2%, and negative percent agreement was ~100%. Test pairs with lower cycle thresholds (≤30 and ≤25) reached 67% and 100% positive percent agreement, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:
SARS-CoV-2 infections with high viral loads were detected regardless of specimen type. Mid-turbinate swabs reduced staff discomfort and may decrease repeated positive test results weeks or months after initial infection. Discordant pairs generally had high cycle threshold values (>30) indicating low viral load and little risk of transmitting COVID-19.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Occup Environ Med
Journal subject:
Occupational Medicine
/
Environmental Health
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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