August 10, 2020

Comparing Nasopharyngeal Swab and Early Morning Saliva for the Identification of SARS-CoV-2

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Among 217 asymptomatic adult males who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and had subsequently been isolated at a quarantine center for 8 to 10 days, 160 (74%) tested positive again based on saliva, nasopharyngeal swab, or both. The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was higher in saliva compared to nasopharyngeal swab testing (93% vs. 53%). Concordance between the two tests was 46%. 

Rao et al. (Aug 6, 2020). Comparing Nasopharyngeal Swab and Early Morning Saliva for the Identification of SARS-CoV-2. Clinical Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa1156