Viravarn LuviraAkanitt JittmittraphapSant MuangnoicharoenNantarat ChantawatWeena JanwitthayananPornsawan LeaungwutiwongMahidol University2020-10-052020-10-052020-09-01American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Vol.103, No.3 (2020), 1204-120614761645000296372-s2.0-85090271951https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/59115© 2020 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene The quality and type of specimen collection affect the sensitivity of real-time reverse transcriptase–PCR (rRT-PCR) for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. In this report, the course over time of rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in 26 clinical specimens collected from the upper (nasopharyngeal and throat swabs) and lower (sputum) respiratory tracts of COVID-19 cases with pneumonia was investigated along with the clinical course. The preliminary results revealed that higher SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration and longer time for detection make self-collected sputum a preferable specimen for the diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia. Self-collection of sputum can minimize the risk of unnecessary exposure to healthcare workers, preserve the shortage of personal protective equipment, and limit viral transmission to the environment.Mahidol UniversityImmunology and MicrobiologyMedicineArticleSCOPUS10.4269/ajtmh.20-0551