COVID-19 nasal swab testing complications: case reports
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v101i2e-188644Keywords:
Keywords: Complications; Epistaxis; Nasopharyngeal swab; SARS-CoV-2Abstract
Background: We are currently facing a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the coronavirus family. The most widely used method to confirm the diagnosis of SARSCoV-2 infection is through molecular tests using rRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) to detect viral RNA. The usual way to collect viral samples is through nasopharyngeal swabs. One of the effective ways to control the transmission of this disease is the early diagnosis and isolation of infected patients. In this report, we will approach two cases of complications with nasal swabs in the collection of rRT-PCR for COVID-19, treated in an otolaryngology emergency room. Case Report: The first was from a patient who had the swab rod broken in her left nasal cavity, requiring removal of the foreign body through nasoendoscopy. While the second was from a patient who had severe epistaxis due to trauma of the spur swab in the left nasal septum, requiring an approach in the surgery center. Conclusion: It is important to emphasize that, even subject to possibly serious complications, the performance of RT-PCR tests with a nasal swab is the gold standard in the diagnosis of COVID-19. It is very important to enhance that the trained professional, when suspecting an accident during the exam, should, early on, request an evaluation from the competent specialist for an adequate approach.
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Copyright (c) 2022 Jholbert Cardoso Santana, Mateus Capuzzo Gonçalves, Leandro Azevedo de Camargo, Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino, Felipe da Silva Braz, Nathálya Rodrigues Queiroz, Taynara Luísa de Mello Heliodoro, Sarah Vidal da Silva
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