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).