SARS-CoV-2 Nasopharyngeal Swab Testing—False-Negative Results From a Pervasive Anatomical Misconception

Abstract

Given our subspecialty focus on nasal anatomy, we have been involved in training personnel at our respective institutions on the proper techniques for NPS collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing, and we have noticed pervasive misperception about the location of the nasopharynx. Although many sites around the world are likely providing proper training, we are concerned that inadequate NPS collection may continue to lead to false-negative results. The rate of false-negative results in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing is a great concern because it underestimates the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, gives a false sense of security to patients and the health care workers caring for them, and limits public health efforts in identifying and tracing the spread of the virus. We hope highlighting that the nasopharynx is back, not up, can help limit false-negative results in testing for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.