Journal of Applied Sciences and Clinical Practice

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Year
: 2022  |  Volume : 3  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 58-

Commercial nasopharyngeal swabs and its adversities


Thorakkal Shamim 
 Department of Dentistry, Government Taluk Head Quarters Hospital, Malappuram, Kerala, India

Correspondence Address:
Thorakkal Shamim
Shangrila, Parappanangadi - 676 303, Kerala
India




How to cite this article:
Shamim T. Commercial nasopharyngeal swabs and its adversities.J Appl Sci Clin Pract 2022;3:58-58


How to cite this URL:
Shamim T. Commercial nasopharyngeal swabs and its adversities. J Appl Sci Clin Pract [serial online] 2022 [cited 2023 May 28 ];3:58-58
Available from: http://www.jascp.org/text.asp?2022/3/2/58/347596


Full Text



Dear Editor,

In the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) nasopharyngeal swab technique, adversities may arise in patients and it is less documented in the medical literature.[1] This letter addresses the future perspective on commercial nasopharyngeal swabs and its adversities on patients. The value of peer-assisted learning tool and refined technique for nasopharyngeal swab in COVID-19 in rural setup is established.[2],[3] The commercial swabs that are procured to take nasopharyngeal sample are not standardized. The shape of the head of the swab and the size of the swab may differ based on various commercial brands in the market. Even though all are mastered professionals trained in nasopharyngeal swab procedures, adverse effects in patients are seen due to the use of nonstandardized commercial swabs available in the market. More recently, a study on three-dimensional–printed versus commercial swabs was published.[4] The adverse effects in patients ranging from epistaxis, nasal discomfort, headache, ear discomfort, and rhinorrhea.[4] Comparative studies using commercial swabs are to be initiated in large population and adverse effects in patients to be studied. Based on the study, a standardized nasopharyngeal swab to be developed and patented.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

References

1Föh B, Borsche M, Balck A, Taube S, Rupp J, Klein C, et al. Complications of nasal and pharyngeal swabs: A relevant challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic? Eur Respir J 2021;57:2004004.
2Shamim T. Peer-assisted Learning (PAL) as an Instructional Tool in Dental Interns in Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Scenario. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2021;31 (Supplement 2 COVID-19):S144.
3Shamim T. The most compatible position of operator and patient for nasopharyngeal swab procedure for coronavirus disease in rural setup. J Rural Med 2021;16:130.
4Gupta K, Bellino PM, Charness ME. Adverse effects of nasopharyngeal swabs: Three-dimensional printed versus commercial swabs. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021;42:641-2.