February 26, 2021

The Effects of “Dry Swab” Incubation on SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

Keywords (Tags): testing

• Parikh et al. suggest that “dry swabs” (which do not use transport medium) may be accurate for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. Flocked swabs were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 and then incubated in either the typical medium or a dry, sterile conical tube. All dry swabs tested at days 1, 2, and 7 provided results that were within two cycle thresholds (Cts) of the average Ct values for swabs hydrated in the same media and tested on day 0. Not using transport media may alleviate supply shortfalls. 

Parikh et al. (Feb 25, 2021). The Effects of “Dry Swab” Incubation on SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing. The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1093/jalm/jfab010