Comparison Of Positivity Rate Nasopharyngeal And Oropharynx Samples With Reverse Transcription-PCR Methods In North Sumatra Province

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Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant impact on the global health system, with the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a result, the need for accurate and efficient testing methods has become increasingly important. In this context, the use of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs has become a common practice in detecting the presence of the virus. However, the effectiveness of these methods has been a subject of debate, with some studies suggesting that one method may be more accurate than the other.

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that belongs to the Coronavirus group and is the primary cause of COVID-19 disease. The virus is classified as an RNA virus that can trigger infection in the respiratory tract, ranging from mild to severe. With the rapid increase in the number of infected cases, the measures of preventing the spread of viruses through sampling of swabs from nasopharynx and/or oropharynx are very important.

Methodology

This study aims to assess the accuracy of the results of the nasopharyngeal and oropharynx swabs and calculate the percentage of positivity rates among the people of North Sumatra Province. The research process was carried out by collecting 30 swab samples from nasopharynx and 30 samples from oropharynx from the community in the area. Sampling activities were carried out at the Environmental Health Engineering Center and disease control located in Medan. Virus examination is carried out in the laboratory using the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method, which is the standard in SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Data Analysis

Data analysis using the Chi-Square test with a significance value of P <0.05. The results showed that the p-value obtained was 0.121, which indicated there was no significant difference between the results of the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab (P> 0.05). However, when viewed from the value of the positivity rate, the nasopharyngeal sample shows a higher number compared to the oropharynx sample, although the two types of samples are taken from the same population.

Results

The results of this study showed that the nasopharyngeal sample had a higher positivity rate compared to the oropharynx sample. This suggests that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2. However, the results also showed that there was no significant difference between the two types of samples, indicating that both methods may be effective in detecting the virus.

Discussion

The findings of this study have important implications for the prevention and control of COVID-19. The results suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2, which can accelerate the steps needed to prevent and handle the pandemic. This is particularly important in the context of North Sumatra Province, where the spread of the virus has been a significant concern.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study recommends that sampling through nasopharynx is more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2. This is important in the effort to prevent and handle COVID-19, because higher accuracy in detecting viruses can accelerate the steps needed. From this finding, it is important to conduct socialization to the public about more effective testing methods and supports public health efforts in controlling Pandemi Covid-19. With a more accurate testing, it is expected to reduce the level of spread of viruses in North Sumatra Province, as well as provide more appropriate data for health policy making that have a positive impact on the community.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Conduct socialization to the public about more effective testing methods
  • Supports public health efforts in controlling Pandemi Covid-19
  • Use nasopharyngeal swab as the primary method for detecting SARS-CoV-2
  • Provide more accurate data for health policy making

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the larger population. Secondly, the study only compared the effectiveness of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, and did not consider other factors that may affect the accuracy of the results. Finally, the study was conducted in a specific region, and the findings may not be generalizable to other areas.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to address the limitations of this study. This can be achieved by increasing the sample size, considering other factors that may affect the accuracy of the results, and conducting the study in different regions. Additionally, future studies should aim to compare the effectiveness of different testing methods, including antigen tests and molecular tests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2. The findings suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting the virus, and that socialization to the public about more effective testing methods is necessary. With a more accurate testing, it is expected to reduce the level of spread of viruses in North Sumatra Province, as well as provide more appropriate data for health policy making that have a positive impact on the community.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of the results of the nasopharyngeal and oropharynx swabs and calculate the percentage of positivity rates among the people of North Sumatra Province.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2. The findings suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting the virus, and that socialization to the public about more effective testing methods is necessary.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the larger population. Secondly, the study only compared the effectiveness of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, and did not consider other factors that may affect the accuracy of the results. Finally, the study was conducted in a specific region, and the findings may not be generalizable to other areas.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Conduct socialization to the public about more effective testing methods
  • Supports public health efforts in controlling Pandemi Covid-19
  • Use nasopharyngeal swab as the primary method for detecting SARS-CoV-2
  • Provide more accurate data for health policy making

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: Future studies should aim to address the limitations of this study. This can be achieved by increasing the sample size, considering other factors that may affect the accuracy of the results, and conducting the study in different regions. Additionally, future studies should aim to compare the effectiveness of different testing methods, including antigen tests and molecular tests.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for public health. The results suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2, which can accelerate the steps needed to prevent and handle the pandemic. This is particularly important in the context of North Sumatra Province, where the spread of the virus has been a significant concern.

Q: What are the implications of this study for health policy making?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for health policy making. The results suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2, which can provide more accurate data for health policy making. This can help inform decisions about the allocation of resources, the implementation of public health interventions, and the development of policies to control the spread of the virus.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the community?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for the community. The results suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2, which can help reduce the level of spread of the virus in North Sumatra Province. This can help protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and can help prevent the spread of the virus to other areas.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the healthcare system?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for the healthcare system. The results suggest that the nasopharyngeal swab may be more effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2, which can help reduce the burden on the healthcare system. This can help ensure that healthcare resources are allocated effectively, and that patients receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner.