Read on Twitter
The accuracy of swabbing does not make sense. We're being told that false negatives are because swabbing is being done incorrectly.
I've been swabbing patients since Feb so I'll start with what we did then, what we do now, and the pathology of covid19 (and how it doesn't add up) https://twitter.com/Johnrashton47/status/1261933142694379521
I've been swabbing patients since Feb so I'll start with what we did then, what we do now, and the pathology of covid19 (and how it doesn't add up) https://twitter.com/Johnrashton47/status/1261933142694379521
In the beginning we used one swab up the nose, REALLY far up/in the nose.
And one at the back of the throat, gagging distance.
Double bagged, put in a screw top tub, which was then put in a box, sealed, and picked up by a special courier.
And one at the back of the throat, gagging distance.
Double bagged, put in a screw top tub, which was then put in a box, sealed, and picked up by a special courier.
Next it was one swab in the back of the throat, then same swab up the nose.
Now it's one swab, right at the back of the throat, past the tonsils (still gagging distance).
Double bagged, sent to the lab via the pod system (whooshy tubes in hospital).
Double bagged, sent to the lab via the pod system (whooshy tubes in hospital).
So what's the problem? The changes in swabbing was, we were told, that the virus colonises the sinus areas first before moving to the throat before finally entering your respiratory tract proper.
Seems to be more of a cost thing, but whatever.
Seems to be more of a cost thing, but whatever.
The virus is spread via droplets and is incredibly virulent (easy to catch).
The virus can last for days on certain surfaces and potentially for hours in the air.
Which is where "swabbing technique inaccuracy" doesn't make sense.
The virus can last for days on certain surfaces and potentially for hours in the air.
Which is where "swabbing technique inaccuracy" doesn't make sense.
If someone has it and has coughed, sneezed, or even yawned, coronavirus will have moved both up and down the moist areas of the respiratory tract (from the mouth to the lungs).
So while the back of the throat is an ideal swab location, viral RNA should be detectable elsewhere.
So while the back of the throat is an ideal swab location, viral RNA should be detectable elsewhere.
Because the virus survives in a variety of places for a long time, and while it might prefer a specific area of the throat it's not going to disappear from all the upper areas in someones throat.
Taking a swab is not like hitting the exhaust port on the Death Star.
There's no actual bullseye.
We're just going for the area with the highest concentration of coronavirus.
There's no actual bullseye.
We're just going for the area with the highest concentration of coronavirus.
Due to this I'm wondering if the testing is producing the false negatives because a swab at the back of the throat is literally not rocket science, and for something so virulent it should be easier to get a successful swab than to bullseye a Womprat with a T-16
What do we know of the testing?
What is the accuracy of the test?
What circumstances will degrade the swab giving a false negative?
I'm happy to also take any advice on swabbing technique.
In the meantime:
#StayHome
#ProtectTheNHS
#SaveLives
What is the accuracy of the test?
What circumstances will degrade the swab giving a false negative?
I'm happy to also take any advice on swabbing technique.
In the meantime:
#StayHome
#ProtectTheNHS
#SaveLives
Oh FFS.
Can the real swab technique please stand up?!
(not saying they're doing it wrong, I'd just like clarity on who is doing it right) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-52700344/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-takes-coronavirus-test-live-on-tv
Can the real swab technique please stand up?!
(not saying they're doing it wrong, I'd just like clarity on who is doing it right) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-52700344/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-takes-coronavirus-test-live-on-tv
Okay, gonna start putting swab accuracy info under this thread because if a test is only slightly more reliable than throwing chicken bones on the floor, maybe save the pennies and buy a chicken. https://arc-w.nihr.ac.uk/news/coronavirus-how-accurate-are-coronavirus-tests/
Low quality non-peer reviewed study. https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/comparative-accuracy-of-oropharyngeal-and-nasopharyngeal-swabs-for-diagnosis-of-covid-19/
