Más recientemente, las pruebas de saliva basadas en PCR han demostrado tener una alta sensibilidad en personas sintomáticas. Los hisopos nasales anteriores basados en métodos de PCR también funcionan bien en individuos sintomáticos. Las pruebas de PCR que utilizan muestras obtenidas de otras formas (de la fosa nasal o de la saliva) han mostrado resultados alentadores en personas que presentan síntomas. Los factores que pueden dar lugar a un falso negativo son el estadio de la infección y la técnica utilizada por la persona que obtiene la muestra. Sin embargo, la prueba puede mostrar erróneamente que una persona infectada NO tiene COVID-19 (falso negativo). Igual de importante, a diferencia de otras pruebas, esta prueba no es propensa al problema de mostrar que una persona no infectada tiene COVID-19 (falso positivo). Es decir, la prueba de PCR tiene la capacidad de identificar correctamente a las personas que son positivas al virus que causa el COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2, a menudo denominado “nuevo coronavirus”). Esta prueba, que utiliza una muestra tomada con un hisopo que se inserta a través de la nariz hacia la parte posterior de la garganta, tiene una sensibilidad de hasta el 95% en personas que tienen síntomas. Hasta ahora, la prueba de PCR nasofaríngea ha sido el estándar de oro para las pruebas de COVID-19.
The tradeoff for this convenience is that antigen-based tests are not as sensitive as the PCR tests. This test also uses samples taken from the nose or saliva, but it does not need to be administered by a doctor, nurse, or medical technician it can be performed at home. The other main type of COVID-19 test uses what are called antigen-based methods to determine whether a person is infected.
More recently PCR based saliva testing has shown to have high sensitivity in symptomatic people. PCR tests using samples collected in other ways (from the nostril or saliva) have shown encouraging results in people who are showing symptoms.Īnterior nasal swabs based on PCR methods also perform well in symptomatic individuals.
Factors that can lead to a false negative are the stage of the infection and the technique used by the person obtaining the sample. The test can, however, mistakenly show that an infected person does NOT have COVID-19 (false negative). Just as important, unlike other tests, this test is not prone to the problem of showing that an uninfected person has COVID-19 (false positive). That is to say, the PCR test has the ability to correctly identify individuals who are positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2, often referred to as “novel coronavirus”). This test, which uses a sample taken from a swab inserted through the nose toward the back of the throat, has a sensitivity of up to 95% in people who have symptoms. So far, the nasopharyngeal PCR test has been the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. If you are sick, check the CDC guide on caring for yourself at home here.If you have a higher risk of Severe Illness, consult additional information here.Because it is still flu season, please strongly consider getting a flu shot.If you are coughing or sneezing, contain the spread of germs by coughing/sneezing into the crook of your elbow or a tissue instead of your hand.If you develop a fever, seek medical attention, preferably from your myeloma doctor.As always, maintain hydration and exercise periodically this reduces the risk of blood clots.Check the latest announcements from the WHO here, and the CDC here.Avoid travel to any areas where outbreaks are occurring.Avoid any non-essential travel, especially by commercial airline or cruise ship.Wear masks when in crowded areas with poor air circulation.Limit social gatherings try to avoid any meeting of 10 or more people.Practice social distancing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend staying at least 6 feet from others while out in public.Avoid friends, family, and colleagues who appear to be sick.Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with your hands.If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds each time.Contact your myeloma physician about obtaining extra necessary medications. If possible have a family member or other caregiver shop for you. Ensure you have enough food and medicine, both prescription and over-the-counter, for about two weeks.