COVID-19 Test: China introduces anal swabs
Chinese health authorities have introduced anal swabs as a new type of coronavirus test that could detect the virus more accurately.
The new tests will involve having a cotton tipped swab inserted at least two inches into the rectum. This swab will then be tested for the virus.
Li Tongzeng, the deputy director of the Respiratory and Infectious diseases department at Beijing stated that the anal swab tests could prove more accurate than nose or throat tests, as the virus would survive longer in the anus or excrement than in the respiratory tract.
Dr. Li stated the anal swabs could be better at identifying the virus in mild or asymptomatic cases.
As the global health community identifies new strains of the virus, and infection numbers climb, China has imposed stricter requirements on international arrivals in an effort to reduce the rate of domestic transmission in the country ahead of the New Year celebrations.
No fewer than 1.7 billion passenger trips are expected during the 40-day holiday rush, according to government estimates.
No plans have been announced for anal testing international visitors.
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