Frequency of Positive PCR test and Complications in Nasopharyngeal Swabs of Suspected Patients and Contacts of COVID-19 Tested at Allied Hospital Faisalabad

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is a severe respiratory disease, started in China. For diagnosis, we need swabs from different regions of respiratory tract. Nasopharyngeal swab is the preferred method.  Rt-PCR for Corona virus is the gold standard lab test for diagnosis. Objective: To determine frequency of positive PCR tests and complications in total number of nasopharyngeal samples taken at ENT department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: ENT department, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: 1^st May 2020 to 31^st August 2020. Methodology: Nasopharyngeal swabs of suspected cases, their contacts, and healthcare workers were taken at ENT department of Allied Hospital. All samples were sent to BSL-LAB. The complication related to procedure were also noted. The result was labelled as detected and non-detected. Results: Total sample taken were 2909 out of which 627 (22%) cases were positive for Corona virus while 2282 (78%) were negative. Pain was most frequent complication (68%) followed by blood staining of swab (31%) and epistaxis (1%). Conclusion: Frequency of positive corona virus case presenting to allied Hospital is 22%. Nasopharyngeal swabs are a safe and effective method of sampling in suspected Corona Virus cases. Pain during the procedure is the most frequent complication.