INTRODUCTION
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an evolving pandemic.1 Various detection methods have been described. Presently, respiratory sampling is the commonest method used for viral detection. Reverse transcription real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), targeted at the E gene of SARS-CoV-2, was developed based on the protocol by Corman et al and this assay was officially released by the World Health Organisation.2 Positive results can be confirmed by a subsequent real-time RT-PCR assay targeted at the ORF1b-NSP-14 gene, based on the protocol by Chu et al.3 In this article, we provide an overview of the plethora of respiratory sampling methods for SARS-CoV-2 that have been published to date. These methods may be divided into two main categories: upper respiratory sampling (nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, lingual and gargle lavage) and lower respiratory sampling (sputum, tracheal and bronchoalveolar).