Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

March 8, 2021

Diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 Infection by RT-PCR Using Specimens Other Than Naso- and Oropharyngeal Swabs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing using samples other than naso- or oropharyngeal swabs found that saliva samples had the highest accuracy (92%), with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 96%. Deep throat saliva/posterior oropharyngeal saliva samples had an overall accuracy of 80%, with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 63%. Samples of interest that could not be sufficiently assessed due to low study numbers included sputum, urine, feces, and tears/conjunctival specimens; however, the authors suggested assay performance was likely to be lower with these sample types. 

Moreira et al. (Feb 21, 2021). Diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 Infection by RT-PCR Using Specimens Other Than Naso- and Oropharyngeal Swabs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11020363