Inconsistent Polymerase Chain Reaction Test Results From the Upper And Lower Airways of a Patient Who Underwent Total Laryngectomy During the Incubation Period for Coronavirus Disease

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, a pandemic. There have been reports of differences in results COVID-19 tests patients who underwent total laryngectomy, depending on sample collection site. The upper respiratory tract mucosa or saliva is recommended site for initial diagnosis. However, some only samples from lower tested positive. We report case patient was preoperatively infected with COVID-19. He laryngectomy during incubation period, and positive using collected tract. Of six polymerase chain reaction performed both tract, two had inconsistent results. developed pneumonia successfully managed antiviral medication. No postoperative complications were observed. Key words: ㆍ Laryngectomy Polymerase Specimen