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Gaceta Médica Boliviana
Print version ISSN 1012-2966On-line version ISSN 2227-3662
Abstract
VIRREIRA, Myrna et al. Comparative study of SARS CoV-2 detection by RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swab and saliva samples: a pilot study in Bolivia. Gac Med Bol [online]. 2022, vol.45, n.2, pp.99-103. Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 1012-2966. https://doi.org/10.47993/gmb.v45i2.538.
Objectives:
Nasopharyngeal swab sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is a standard method for the diagnosis of COVID-19, but its collection usually causes discomfort in the patient and exposes healthcare workers to a higher risk. Saliva seems to be a good alternative to nasopharyngeal swabs, as it is non-invasive, reduces the risk of contamination of healthcare workers, and allows self-collection. This study aims to compare the ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in the same patient using saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples to analyze the concordance of the results obtained between the two samples.
Methods:
Thirty saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples from patients with COVID-19 symptoms who were admitted to the emergency department of the Viedma Clinical Hospital were taken in parallel. Both samples were analyzed by RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The concordance of results was calculated using the Cohen's Kappa coefficient.
Results:
Our results show that there is good concordance (Kappa index 0.730; 95% CI: 0.486-0.974) between the two types of samples analyzed.
Conclusions:
Saliva seems to be a reliable and effective sample for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Keywords : COVID 19; SARS CoV2; nasopharyngeal swab; RT-PCR; saliva.