Anonymous

3 years

Covid 19 - KKM test samples

Recently I’ve done a test in Pusat Kesihatan Daerah Tanglin (Lembah Pantai), and it was my first time ever getting sample taken only by a throat swab (assuming it is OPS). I have done numbers of test previously and always involved NPS & OPS, or NPS only. Never once by OPS only.

The sample is said to be for RT-PCR testing. But how reliable is a sample taken by only OPS for this test? - And if it doesn’t affect the accuracy/effectiveness of RT-PCR testing, what does this test tell us, having different types of sample taken for the same testing method?

Thank you for your question.

We understand your worries especially towards a potential close contact and possible false negative result of COVID-19 screening test.

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Ideally, one needs to know that NPS & OPS does not vary in terms of the end product samples. This is because both routes of entry will result in almost the same area of sampling, which is the oropharynx and nasopharynx, as both structures are a continuous mucosal layer and cavity that will travel down to be apart of the lung and airway structure.

Theoretically, when a Covid-19 infected patient cough, the virus will inadvertently be displaced outwards into the oral and nasal cavity (nasopharynx & oropharynx), the same way phlegm is expelled from the respiratory organ. Swab test are taken to swipe out the surface of those mucosal layer that potentially might reside the virus.

With that being said I would still encourage you to answer this quiz on Risk Assessment for COVID-19 to evaluate your concurrent health status.

In need of a second opinion? Our pulmonologist are here to help.

You may also click on this link to directly request a COVID-19 screening test if ever considered on having another test done. Or contact the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC). Other than that, do practice good hand hygiene, social/physical distancing and wear your face mask in public.

CPRC contact:
0388810200
+60178429454
[email protected]

For more information on your health condition, or for more accurate treatment to be implemented, a more detailed test should be done beforehand. Click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk online with our certified doctors. Thank you

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