We’ve faced so many indignities over the last year due to COVID-19. China now says that a COVID-19 anal test is more accurate than throat or nose swabs. Might we soon need an anal test in order to travel?
COVID-19 Anal Test
China has introduced a new COVID-19 testing protocol for those in quarantine. The test requires inserting a cotton swab three to five centimeters (one to two inches) into the rectum, then rotating it multiple times.
With COVID-19 cases rising in Beijing last week, doctors have heralded the new testing method on state TV, noting it will be helpful in controlling cases ahead of the high risk Lunar New Year, a period in which millions of Chinese traditionally travel. Beijing city officials noted that anal swabs were taken from more than 1,000 teachers, staffers, and students at a primary school last week after a coronavirus outbreak in which many tested positive.
The controversy is not settled though. In recent days, the Global Times, a state-run news outlet, noted that the procedure remains controversial, with some doctors arguing nasal and throat swabs were more effective because coronavirus is a respiratory tract infection.
“If we add anal swab testing, it can raise our rate of identifying infected patients,” Li Tongzeng, an infectious-disease specialist at Beijing You’an Hospital, said on state-run broadcaster CCTV on Sunday. “But of course, considering that collecting anal swabs is not as convenient as throat swabs, at the moment only key groups such as those in quarantine receive both.”
But a study recently published in China supports the theory that anal swabs are more effective:
“Intriguingly, SARS-CoV-2 detection was positive in the anal swab of two patients and negative in throat swab and sputum samples…We propose anal swabs as the potentially optimal specimen for SARS-CoV-2 detection for evaluation of hospital discharge of covid-19 patients.”
Will We See This In The USA Too?
With Chinese authorities now making anal COVID-19 testing mandatory, can we expect the same in the United States? Might this become a travel requirement?
Just because virus traces may remain longer in the anus than in the respiratory tract does not mean that anal testing is better for gauging transmissibility of the disease. There are also no test results to suggest that COVID-19 can be spread via the human digestive system.
CONCLUSION
With mass testing and the effectiveness of rapid antigen testing already concerns, China has begun using COVID-19 anal testing. Scientists disagree on the effectiveness of such testing, but it could soon be another tool around the world to diagnose illness.
As one person noted, “For a year, COVID has been giving it to us up the a$$. Now, you can test for it there…”
image: Weibo
You couldn’t resist, lol. Well, neither could WaPo. Nothing like an anal test to bring us a much needed laugh.
Sounds like a shitty situation
These tests are going to be much harder to use at the drive through testing centers.
You win for best comment!
Oh crap. I pooped again or can I use my dog to take the test or does he have to a Chinese dog
P.o. p.o.
Yes, but I can imagine healthcare workers having some fun. Just imagine them testing a plane load of Proud Boys or MAGA rednecks: “ Oops, I must have picked up a cucumber by mistake”
Actually SARS was definitely transmitted from virus in fecal matter. One of the worst outbreaks in Hong Kong was in the Amoy Gardens residential complex; the virus spread from floor to floor via dodgy plumbing in an ‘airborne fecal plume’ as toilets were flushed .
The reason for this test: Coronavirus stays in the digestive tract longer than it does in the respiratory tract, so a negative test in the latter doesn’t necessarily mean it has been eliminated entirely.
What chance of this test being accepted? It’s hard enough to get people to wear masks let alone have them submit to something invasive, regardless of the merits or otherwise of the test.
I actually don’t think it will be that hard to get accepted… look how many people have willingly strapped 2 cent cheapo masks from China on their face and think that they are doing good. They would also likely be willing to shove a 2 cent Chinese stick up in their ass to feel good too. All in the name of cooties.
It’s usually “The Simpsons” that predicts the future, this time its “South Park”.
The biggest problem is if you do an anal test and gets negative and they insist it might be a false negative and you need to do it again. 🙂 I imagine if they come with this idea of having to get tested to fly domestically, we can easily associate that the more miles you get the more times you got tested. 🙂 People will be quiet about their miles going forward.
Mr. Klint, assume the position!
Well so much for traveling in my retirement! Road trips it is! Goodbye big world out there! Glad I saw most of it while my body parts being poked weren’t part of the ticket price! Culturally how do they allow these indignities to continue!? April Fools is in 2 months, riight?
Came here for the comments. Was not disappointed.
Stop being so anally retentive and use the chocolate highway to gain your freedom to travel.
“Why y’all keep coming back?”
“Sir, so … can we try it again, tonight?”
anyone know how much covid probers get paid? i know a couple out of work peep with a penchant for orifice spelunking
how price?