How to increase the SARS-CoV-2 detection rate through the nasopharyngeal swab?

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) is an evolving pandemic. Since its first appearance in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, an increasing number of cases are being diagnosed worldwide. The laboratory tests currently employed for the identification of SARSCoV-2 usually detect the viral RNA through nucleic acid amplification, generally using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the nasopharyngeal swab is the most commonly used method to obtain respiratory samples. In conclusion, further studies are recommended in order to improve the SARS-CoV-2 detection rate through the nasopharyngeal swab. Important implications are particularly evident in the expectation of activities re-opening, particularly for the health-care setting where the suspension of the elective activity could not be further delayed.