Abstract
Objectives: Nasopharyngeal swab sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is a standard method for the diagnosis of COVID-19, but its collection usually causes discomfort in the patient and exposes healthcare workers to a higher risk. Saliva seems to be a good alternative to nasopharyngeal swabs, as it is non-invasive, reduces the risk of contamination of healthcare workers, and allows self-collection. This study aims to compare the ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in the same patient using saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples to analyze the concordance of the results obtained between the two samples. Methods: Thirty saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples from patients with COVID-19 symptoms who were admitted to the emergency department of the Viedma Clinical Hospital were taken in parallel. Both samples were analyzed by RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The concordance of results was calculated using the Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Results: Our results show that there is good concordance (Kappa index 0.730; 95% CI: 0.486-0.974) between the two types of samples analyzed. Conclusions: Saliva seems to be a reliable and effective sample for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Translated title of the contribution | Comparative study of SARS CoV-2 detection by RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swab and saliva samples: a pilot study in Bolivia |
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Original language | Spanish |
Pages (from-to) | 99-103 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Gaceta Medica Boliviana |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- COVID 19
- nasopharyngeal swab
- RT-PCR
- saliva
- SARS CoV2