Nutritional Advice El MondoObjectives:
Testing is one of the commendable measures for curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). But, it should be done using the most appropriate specimen and an accurate diagnostic test such as real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Therefore, this review article has been conducted.
What is the positive detection rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in different clinical specimens using qRT-PCR?
Study design:
This review article included a total of 8,136 pooled clinical specimens to detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the majority of 8,136 pooled clinical specimens were nasopharyngeal swabs (69.6%).
The investigators found lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens had a positive rate (PR) of 71.3% [95% CI = 60.3% to 82.3], while no virus was detected in the urinogenital specimens.
The investigators found bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLF) specimen had the PR of 91.8% [95% CI = 79.9 to 103.7%], rectal swabs had the PR of 87.8 % [95% CI = 78.6% to 96.9%] and sputum had the PR of 68.1% [95% CI = 56.9% to 79.4%].
The investigators found a low PR was observed in oropharyngeal swabs; 7.6% [95% CI = 5.7% to 9.6%] and blood samples; 1.0% [95% CI = -0.1% to 2.1%] whereas no SARS-CoV-2 was detected in urine samples.
The investigators found feces had a PR of 32.8% [95% CI = 15.8% to 49.8%].
The investigators found nasopharyngeal swab, a widely used specimen had a PR of 45.5% [95% CI = 31.2% to 59.7%].
The investigators concluded SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is highly detected in lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens, while no virus is detected in urinogenital specimens.
Original title:
Detection profile of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR in different types of clinical specimens: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Bwire GM, Majigo MV, […], Mawazo A.
Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32706393/
Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on coronavirus right here.
Lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea, the bronchi and bronchioles and the alveoli, which make up the lungs.