Authors:

Anna See, MMed (ENT)1, Song Tar Toh, FAMS1
Affiliations:
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
Corresponding author:
See Anna
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Singapore General Hospital
Outram Road, Singapore 169608
Telephone: (65) 6222 3322
Email: anna.see.xinyin@singhealth.com.sg
Reprints will not be available from the authors.  

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was declared a pandemic in March 2020. A plethora of respiratory sampling methods for SARS-CoV-2 viral detection has been used and in the current evolving situation, there is no international consensus on the recommended method of respiratory sampling for diagnosis. Otolaryngologists deal intimately with the upper respiratory tract and a clear understanding of the respiratory sampling methods is of paramount importance. This article aims to provide an overview of the various methods and their evidence till date.