SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Conditions
Keywords
Nasopharyngeal swab, RT-PCR, SARS-CoV-2, surgical mask
Brief summary
The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is regarded as the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Proper specimen collection and obtaining a sufficient sample are the most important steps for laboratory diagnosis. The nasopharyngeal (NP) swab is recommended as the reference collection method. However, NP swab collection is invasive and uncomfortable for patients and poses some risk to healthcare workers. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from used surgical masks with the NP swab method using RT-PCR testing
Detailed description
Proper specimen collection and obtaining sufficient samples are the most important steps for laboratory diagnosis of an infectious disease. Improper collection may lead to false or inconclusive test results. During the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommended collecting and testing an upper respiratory specimen \[4\]. Nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs are the preferred choice for initial SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from used surgical masks with standard detection methods. We tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in masks from patients with COVID-19 that had been worn for eight hours and compared this with NP swabs using RT-PCR testing. Hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were recruited to provide surgical masks. Collection of used surgical mask samples by patients themselves is easy, convenient, requires no sampling equipment and decreases the risk of healthcare personnel exposure to COVID-19. If SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected on used surgical mask samples, this may encourage patients to provide specimens for testing and help in early detection and transmission prevention. As an alternative method to NP swabs, it may facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTSARS-CoV-2 RNA detection
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in used mask filters
Sponsors
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Medical College and Vajira Hospital
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
To compare the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from used surgical masks with standard detection methods
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
No minimum to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Newly confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive cases admitted to a field hospital within 48 hours or outpatient with a positive result for SARS-CoV-2 * Should be able to wear a mask for 8 h according to the protocol
Exclusion criteria
* require oxygen intubation or any breathing support devices
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from used surgical masks | 3 months | tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in masks from patients with COVID-19 that had been worn for eight hours and compared this with NP swabs using RT-PCR testing |
Countries
Thailand
Outcome results
None listed