Test, test, test – a complication of testing for coronavirus disease 2019 with nasal swabs. Issue 7 (28th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mughal, Z; Luff, E; Okonkwo, O; Hall, C E J
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 134:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 646
• Page End: 649
• Publication Date: 2020-07-28
• Subjects: Nose, -- Foreign Bodies, -- Coronavirus; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215120001425
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Coronavirus disease 2019, a highly transmissible respiratory infection, has created a public health crisis of global magnitude. The mainstay of diagnostic testing for coronavirus disease 2019 is molecular polymerase chain reaction testing of a respiratory specimen, obtained with a viral swab. As the incidence of new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 increases exponentially, the use of viral swabs to collect nasopharyngeal specimens is anticipated to increase drastically. Case report: This paper draws attention to a complication of viral swab testing in the nasopharynx and describes the premature engagement of a viral swab breakpoint, resulting in impaction in the nasal cavity. Conclusion: This case highlights a possible design flaw of the viral swab when used to collect nasopharyngeal specimens, which then requires an aerosol-generating procedure in a high-risk patient to be performed. The paper outlines a safe technique of nasal foreign body removal in a suspected coronavirus disease 2019 patient and suggests alternative testing materials.