Extract
We read with interest study by Geri et al. [1] in which the authors have demonstrated a strong agreement between negative nasopharyngeal (NPs)/nasal (Ns) swab and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in the diagnosis of Covid-19 among hospitalised patients. The study findings contradicted earlier report [2] and suggested a limited utility of BAL. However, the results need to be interpreted comprehensively before drawing any conclusion.
Abstract
Bronchoalveolar lavage has a specific place in the diagnosis of Covid-19. The clinical performance of BAL rRt-PCR is dynamic in nature and depends on different clinical and demographic factors.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: Dr. AGGARWAL has nothing to disclose.
Conflict of interest: Dr. SAINI has nothing to disclose.
- Received August 12, 2020.
- Accepted August 20, 2020.
- Copyright ©ERS 2020
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