Doctors in Switzerland uncover coronavirus in skin sample
Could there another way to test for coronavirus other than a nasal swab?
Keystone / Laurent Gillieron
Doctors at the University Hospital Basel have confirmed a positive coronavirus case from a skin sample after a nasal swab test came back negative.
This content was published on
1 minute
Lancet/UHB/jdp
The case concerns an 81-year-old woman who was tested for coronavirus because she displayed symptoms including a fever. Both a nasopharyngeal swab coronavirus test and an antibody test, which was performed six weeks later, were both negative.
When the patient arrived at the hospital, she also had a skin rash. A team of dermatologists at the university hospital tested a sample of her skin for coronavirus, which came back positive.
The findings, published in the LancetExternal link, raise a host of questions about potential shortcomings in current nasal swab testing.
The study authors write that “swab samples that are taken incorrectly are known drivers of the relatively large number of false negative tests for SARS-CoV-2”. Testing skin biopsy samples could be used as an additional diagnostic tool according to the authors.
The study also contributes to the hypothesis that some patients with Covid-19 might not establish immunity.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
The image of foreigners in Switzerland has deteriorated
This content was published on
The Federal Statistical Office has found that Swiss people’s views of foreigners have worsened over the last couple of years.
After mild winter, nature wakes up earlier in Switzerland
This content was published on
Once again this year, nature has woken up earlier than normal, between a week and ten days ahead of schedule due to a mild winter.
Computer failure disrupts air traffic at Geneva airport
This content was published on
A computer breakdown has disrupted operations at Geneva Airport since midday on Tuesday. Significant delays are expected.
Swiss show high willingness to pay for sustainable flats
This content was published on
Tenants in Switzerland are in favour of sustainable flats. However, the willingness to pay differs by income according to a new study.
Swiss customs intercepted over 200 tonnes of smuggled meat in 2024
This content was published on
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security intercepted around 208 tonnes of smuggled meat at border crossings in 2024.
Switzerland faces infrastructure gaps for CO2 capture
This content was published on
Switzerland must actively remove CO2 from the air in order to become climate-neutral by 2050. However, the infrastructure for this isn't sufficient.
Swiss parliament prohibits sale of Swiss space company Beyond Gravity
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has said that the Swiss government should not sell the Swiss space company Beyond Gravity, which is part of RUAG.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Government to pay for Covid tests to contain pandemic
This content was published on
The Swiss government has agreed to foot the bill for medical tests for coronavirus infections to encourage the population to participate in prevention efforts.
Lausanne hospital test chosen for coronavirus study
This content was published on
A test developed at Lausanne university hospital has been chosen for wide-scale coronavirus antibody studies of the Swiss population.
What is considered enough when it comes to coronavirus testing?
This content was published on
In this second collection of answers to readers’ questions, we explore who can get tested, and whether an optimal testing rate exists.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.