Relationship of Anosmia with Nasopharyngeal Swab-Based Sample Collection for Covid-19
Relationship of Anosmia with Nasopharyngeal Swab-Based Sample Collection for Covid-19
Muneer Ahmed Solangi* and Mahvish Jabeen Channa
This flowchart shows the study design. A total of N=120 respondents went through a smell test and RT-PCR test to evaluate post-NPS smell loss. The respondents who signed consent forms were selected; they were further matched with study requirements such as normal smell function, age, and location. Smell is tested before and after nasopharyngeal sample collection.
All participants were required to smell Iodex to confirm their smell status. Respondents with normal smell function before nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) testing were selected to conduct the study. Subsequently, a subjective smell test was performed after NPS to confirm the smell status of eligible participants.
Sample was extracted from the nasopharynx using COVID-19 SOPs designed by CDC USA, and WHO guidelines, as a shown subject has a tilted head 70 degrees then the swab was passed into a nostril. The swab was rotated clockwise and anticlockwise for five seconds to get maximum viral load. After sample collection, respondents required to check the smell within 30 minutes to discover any change in OF.
Post-NPS data collected through phone and visits of respondents.
