VA Connecticut Healthcare System team find solution to COVID-19 test sample swab shortage - VA Connecticut Healthcare System
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VA Connecticut Healthcare System

 

VA Connecticut Healthcare System team find solution to COVID-19 test sample swab shortage

August 19, 2020

WEST HAVEN, Conn. - A study led by Dr. Daniel Federman of VA Connecticut Healthcare System found using MRSA nasopharyngeal swabs are reliable for collecting COVID-19 samples when traditional respiratory swab collection kits aren’t available. 

SARS-CoV-2 detection in setting of viral swabs scarcity: Are MRSA swabs and viral swabs equivalent? was published August 5 in PLOS One.

 There are currently only two major producers of viral swabs. This, coupled with the sudden worldwide demand for COVID-19 testing, created a shortage. In response, Federman and his team launched the study to determine if a different swab could be used that wouldn’t skew COVID-19 test results. Federman is the acting chief of medicine service. 

Cotton swabs are not suitable due to their genetic nature, which can interfere with test results. Polyester, nylon, foam or other synthetic material are more reliable and not impacted by supply chain issues. 

Most healthcare facilities have ample supplies of swabs to screen for drug-resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus as part of infection control interventions to prevent its spread. 

 The study collected samples from 81 patients using traditional and MRSA swabs. Samples were taken over a four-day period from patients at four VA Connecticut locations: VA’s drive-up COVID testing sites, Emergency Department, Inpatient Units and the Intensive Care/Flex Units. 

These samples were tested on the DiaSorin platform with the following results: 

19 positive

62 negative

Viral Medium

18 positive

63 negative

MRSA swab/medium
  • Concordance in 78/81 patients (96.3%)
  • Of the three variable samples, two were consistent with MRSA swab when run on Cepheid.

“We’re excited about the results knowing that we’ve identified a much-needed option for diagnostic testing when viral swabs are in short supply in this fight against COVID-19,” Federman said. “Detection, isolation, initiation of appropriate therapy and case contact tracing are important pillars in this battle.”   

Results confirmed that using the MRSA swab is clinically appropriate when traditional swabs aren’t available or limited.

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