Comparison of Nasopharyngeal Swab v. Nasopharyngeal Saline Wash or Saliva Collection in Testing for Respiratory Viruses

Plain-language summary

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are prevalence community diseases and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Rapid diagnosis of RTIs is essential as it drives decision points such as treatment, disposition, and containment. According to recent CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) updates, nasopharyngeal swabbing is the preferred method of specimen collection for most RTIs such as SARS-COV-2. This process is invasive and traumatizing for patients as it requires probing (20 seconds) of the posterior nasopharynx with swab applicator. In some cases, this procedure has resulted in pain and injury. Because of the invasive nature of the procedure, patients often refuse testing or withdraw during the collection process resulting in inadequate specimen procurement. The study principle investigators (PI) have developed 2 novel specimen collection devices: 1) nasopharyngeal wash collection device (NP wash device) and 2) saliva collection device (the Oral Capsule). Both devices are designed for ease of use either by a healthcare professional or a patient. The benefits of such collection devices include 1) minimizing the invasive nature of the procedure because a swab applicator is not utilized and 2) minimizing infection risk to healthcare professional because the study devices can be self-administered when applicable. The study will enroll 1000 participants from a pool of patients presenting to the Nebraska Medicine Emergency Department (ED) who received a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab viral PCR test as part of their ED work up. Enrolled patients will be asked to provide four total specimens: 1) a saliva drool specimen, 2) a saliva Oral Capsule specimen, 3) a NP wash specimen, and 4) a finger stick serum specimen. Patients are able to opt out of any specimen collection method. Study specimens 1, 2, 3 will undergo a respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) PCR test and COVID-19 antibody testing. Study specimen 4 will undergo COVID-19 antibody testing and will function as a serum control for antibody detection.

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