4. Gargle lavage
Exposure risk to healthcare workers are inherent while obtaining flocked
swab samples as these methods may provoke sneezing, coughing and
retching. Saito et al reported the use of gargle lavage as a safe and
sensitive alternative to swab sampling. Gargle lavages using 10mL of
normal saline and OPS were compared in a COVID-19 patient on Days 8 and
9 of illness. Notably, higher amounts of viral genome were seen in the
gargle lavage samples.13 This was, however, a single
case report. Not withstanding the above, it had been previously reported
that for respiratory pathogens such as influenza A, influenza B and
respiratory syncytial virus, gargle lavage is more sensitive than throat
swabs.14 In the current outbreak, there is scant
evidence of gargle lavage’s sensitivity and specificity for viral
detection.