If you thought nasal COVID-19 tests were bad, you’re going to hate this

[Chris Smith]

• Chinese health officials have announced a new coronavirus test procedure that yields more accurate results than nasal and throat swabs.
• Research has shown that anal swabs return positive COVID-19 diagnoses even when nasal and throat samples test negative.
• Despite the backlash, China wants to use the procedure. It’s part of a massive effort to prevent new outbreaks following the Lunar New Year holiday travel and celebrations next month.

The key to beating COVID-19 is accurate, fast testing. The sooner the positive diagnosis is confirmed, the faster the necessary steps can be taken to limit the spread of the illness and prevent complications. Some people will only need to self-isolate and wait for whatever symptoms to subside. Others will need hospitalization and treatment, and some therapies are only effective if given early in the illness.

Testing for the novel coronavirus isn’t as problematic as it used to be at the beginning of the pandemic. PCR tests are still the most trusted COVID-19 tests, but other alternatives can also deliver a quick early diagnosis. There is one problem with COVID-19 testing regardless of method. Done too early after exposure, it can deliver false-negative results.

Chinese officials think there’s one way to improve COVID-19 testing, although it’s a procedure that people won’t like. Rather than using throat swabs, China is now advocating in favor of anal swab tests, which can deliver more accurate results.

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If you thought nasal COVID-19 tests were bad, you’re going to hate this originally appeared on BGR.com on Sun, 31 Jan 2021 at 09:02:55 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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