Coronavirus (Covid-19)

China starts using anal swab tests to detect Covid-19 infections

Published

Thursday, January 28, 2021 11:39

A Covid-19 nasal swab test isn’t pleasant. Many will say the long stick inserted deep inside the nasal cavity feels like it’s hitting their brain. A method arguably much more discomforting is now being used in some cities in China… an anal swab test. And, they say, it’s more effective at detecting a coronavirus infection.

After a Covid-19 infection was detected at primary school in Beijing, more than 1,000 teachers, staff members and students were tested using the anal swab method as well as the usual nose and throat swab tests. For the anal test, a cotton swab is inserted around 3 to 5 centimetres into the anus and then gently rotated around.

Beijing officials say anal swab samples were also taken from people living in neighbourhoods with Covid-19 cases as well as those in quarantine facilities.

Since the virus is detectable on faecal samples for a longer time than the respiratory tract, the anal tests can “increase the detection rate,” according to respiratory and infectious disease doctor Li Tongzeng.

An official in the Weinan, a city in the northern Shaanxi province, says a 52 year old man whose symptoms of cough and appetite loss tested negative for Covid-19 in a throat test. He then tested positive using nose and anal swab tests, according to the city official.

SOURCES: Reuters | AFP

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News Categories: Coronavirus (Covid-19) World

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21 Comments

Steve

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 12:15 pm

You could not make this shit up
!

Reply
Perceville Smithers

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:22 pm

Sounds like South Park’s Mr. Garrison’s idea.

Reply
brian mc

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 7:29 pm

“more than 1,000 teachers, staff members and students were tested using the anal swab method as well as the usual nose and throat swab tests”… I hope they gave em more than 1 swab pad each.
what are the symptoms for having covid of the bum?

Reply
Ray

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10:04 pm

Lol, but hard to believe. According to the photo the subject has to perform the test. How to know it is done correctly with a result that is reliable? Unless, of course big brother is watching.

Reply
- Jesus Monroe
  
  Friday, January 29, 2021 at 10:54 am
  
  Hope your big brother isn’t watching while you swab Ray……
  
  Reply
EdwardV

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10:05 pm

And you thought the Chinese were screwing with everyone before.

Reply
Ben

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10:28 pm

I’d rather do the anal swab test than a 15 night quarantine. Ha ha.

Reply
Toby Andrews

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10:34 pm

Good idea.
Let’s have the the Thai government and government official have the same tests.
It’s democracy . . .

Reply
Michael Cooksey

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10:58 pm

I’m gonna need a first date and some wine before the test…… are we clear?

Reply
john

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11:04 pm

sounds rather nice

Reply
Leo Z

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11:15 pm

Just another example of what China/CCP considers its citizens. And just another indication of what’s coming to a government near you, if they get their way around the globe.

Reply
Ian

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11:58 pm

It’s hilarious I can’t stop laughing your comments guys are so funny
Hey maybe the ladyboys will be the testers In Thailand 555

Reply
- brian mc
  
  Friday, January 29, 2021 at 8:02 am
  
  im sure theyd be able to do it with both hands on your shoulders
  
  Reply
brian mc

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 7:47 am

i looked into this story thaiger and it seems it came about due to Chinese whispers.
the research suggested it would be best to swab for covid annually, but this became anally as the story passed on.

Reply
- brian mc
  
  Friday, January 29, 2021 at 8:12 am
  
  i learnt this the hard way when i was advised to have an annual eye test!
  
  Reply
JESUS MONROE

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 10:50 am

CAN THE SWAB BE ADMINISTERED BY TONGUE?

Reply
Thailover

Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 2:56 pm

Thailand should take the same tests from incoming foreigners.

Reply
JackTheMan

Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11:12 pm

Wow, i hope the swab can do a efficient “anal”-ysis

Reply
Tom Jones

Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:17 am

SIGN ME UP!

Reply
Jason

Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:19 am

Sign me up if the swab is a chinese person’s tongue!

Reply
Sullivan

Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:23 am

I am open for the anal test, if the chinese would also test for anal cancer too.

Reply

Caitlin Ashworth

Caitlin Ashworth is a writer from the United States who has lived in Thailand since 2018. She graduated from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies in 2016. She was a reporter for the Daily Hampshire Gazette In Massachusetts. She also interned at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia and Sarasota Herald-Tribune in Florida.

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