April 3, 2020

Gargle lavage as a safe and sensitive alternative to swab samples to diagnose COVID-19: a case report in Japan

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Saito et al report a case in which gargle lavage samples yielded positive PCR and oropharyngeal swabs results. Gargle lavages may be a safer and potentially more sensitive alternative to oropharyngeal swabs, as gargle lavage can be done by patients themselves. 

Saito et al. (Apr 2, 2020). Gargle lavage as a safe and sensitive alternative to swab samples to diagnose COVID-19: a case report in Japan. Clin Infect Dis. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa377