Nasal Swab as Preferred Clinical Specimen for COVID-19 Testing in Children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2020 Sep;39(9):e267-e270. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002812.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / instrumentation
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Nasal Cavity / virology
  • Oropharynx / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Specimen Handling

Substances

  • RNA, Viral