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False‐positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction screening for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the setting of urgent head and neck surgery and otolaryngologic emergencies during the pandemic: Clinical implications by Andrew P. Katz; Francisco J. Civantos; Zoukaa Sargi; Jason M. Leibowitz; Elizabeth A. Nicolli; Donald Weed; Alexander E. Moskovitz; Alyssa M. Civantos; David M. Andrews; Octavio Martinez; Giovana R. Thomas is a Medicine article available to read on EtoBox.

What is False‐positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction screening for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the setting of urgent head and neck surgery and otolaryngologic emergencies during the pandemic: Clinical implications about?

## Abstract ## Background No reports describe falsepositive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for novel coronavirus in preoperative screening. ## Methods Preoperative patients had one or two nasopharyngeal swabs, depending on low or high risk of viral transmission. Positive tests were repeated. ## Results Forty‐three of 52 patients required two or more preoperative tests. Four (9.3%) had discrepant results (positive/negative). One of these left the coronavirus disease (COVID) unit against medical advice despite an orbital abscess, with unknown true disease status. The remaining 3 of 42 (7.1%) had negative repeat RT‐PCR. Although ultimately considered falsepositives, one was sent to a COVID unit postoperatively and two had urgent surgery delayed. Assuming negative repeat RT‐PCR, clear chest imaging, and lack of subsequent symptoms represent the “gold standard,” RT‐PCR specificity was 0.97. ## Conclusions If false positives are suspected, we recommend computed tomography (CT) of the chest and repeat RT‐PCR. Validated serum immunoglobulin testing may ultimately prove useful.

Who reads False‐positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction screening for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the setting of urgent head and neck surgery and otolaryngologic emergencies during the pandemic: Clinical implications?

Author

Andrew P. Katz; Francisco J. Civantos; Zoukaa Sargi; Jason M. Leibowitz; Elizabeth A. Nicolli; Donald Weed; Alexander E. Moskovitz; Alyssa M. Civantos; David M. Andrews; Octavio Martinez; Giovana R. Thomas

Publisher

Wiley

Published

2020

Language

EN

Field

Medicine (Health Sciences)