Sample Collection and Transport in the Age of COVID: A Retrospective - What Have We Learned.

For diagnostic testing, proper sample collection and transport play a pivotal role in the accurate and timely identification of a pathogen. When testing for respiratory viruses, the gold standard for sample collection is a specialized nylon flocked swab used to sample the nasopharynx, which is then transported in viral transport media. At the beginning of 2020, swab specimen collection became a household topic as COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus created a global pandemic. Researchers, assay manufacturers, along with the FDA considered different types of swabs and transport media which could be used for collection and transport for COVID testing. In this webinar we will take an in-depth retrospective look at all we’ve learned in the wake year of this global pandemic. We will discuss different types of specimen collection swabs and quality procedures necessary for manufacturing. We’ll explore guidance from FDA on swab recommendations, collection sites, transport media, and how these recommendations evolved over time. We will also discuss self-collection of specimens, at-home and over the counter (OTC) testing for respiratory viruses, and finally look at the difference in testing methodologies.

 

Learning Objectives