China Is Reportedly Using Anal Swabs Tests To Detect High-Risk COVID Cases
China is taking things to the next level: According to Bloomberg and the Washington Post, China is now using anal swabs to test patients considered to be high-risk, because they can detect the virus more accurately than a throat swab. However, it was noted that the country is still using that method as well as the nose swabs.
Li Tongzeng, a senior doctor from Beijing’s Youan hospital, told CCTV that the anal swabs method “can increase the detection rate of infected people” as traces of the virus linger longer in the anus than in the respiratory tract, The Guardian quotes.
As People magazine notes, the anal swab testing reportedly involves the insertion of a saline-soaked cotton swab about 3 to 5 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches) into the anus. The sample is then tested for active traces of the virus.
“Of course, anal swabs aren’t as convenient as throat swabs, so they’re only being used on individuals in key quarantine areas,” said Tongzeng added. “This will reduce the return of false positives.”
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