Nasal Swab as Preferred Clinical Specimen for COVID-19 Testing in Children
Giordano Palmas, Maria Moriondo, Sandra Trapani, Silvia Ricci, Elisa Calistri, Laura Pisano, Giancarlo Perferi, Luisa Galli, Elisabetta Venturini, Giuseppe Indolfi, Chiara Azzari
Abstract
The first pediatric study demonstrating significantly higher positivity rate of nasal (mid-turbinate) swab testing over oropharyngeal swab testing in detecting SARS-CoV-2 (Fisher exact test 0.046, Cohen K 0.43, confidence interval 95%, 0.014-0.855). Benefits might include lower collection-related hazard for healthcare workers. We recommend it as preferred choice for swab-based SARS-CoV-2 testing in children.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineConfidence intervalCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakHazard ratioInternal medicineVirologyDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakSARS-CoV-2 detection and testingRespiratory viral infections researchSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research