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Chemical-physical investigations of nine types of nasopharyngeal swabs for the PCR analyses

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Abstract

During the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, a test of samples collected through naso/oropharyngeal swab was set up; for this aim new swabs were developed. Materials and methods: The laboratory New Nanodiagnostics srl (Modena - Italy) analyzed nine different types of swabs used to collect human organic material for PCR diagnostic test for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The swabs were observed under Optical Microscope and analyzed by Field Emission Gun Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (FEGE-SEM) coupled with an Energy Dispersive System (EDS), to verify their morphology and chemical composition. Three different morphologies and nanostructures, along with their chemical composition were identified. Surprisingly enough, the presence of identified chemical contaminants like Titanium-Silicon-Aluminum or Silicon- Aluminium-Chromium-Manganese does not be understandable nor is it explained in the data sheet. Some fibers also present a nanostructured coating of Silicon-Zirconium. This might be of concern, as their presence could invalidate the accuracy of the PCR testing. In addition to that, the biocompatibility of the medical devices is discussed since a particular tendency of the glassy fibers to break has been verified. The presence of broken fibers in the nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa can cause irreversible damages. Finally, after their use, the swabs must be incinerated and their fumes contribute to the increase of the environmental pollution.

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... In 2023 and colleagues studied nine different PCR swabs for their morphology and chemical composition, using Optical Microscopy and a Field Emission Gun Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive System. [89] The scientists reported a number of substances on the swabs that had not been declared in the manufacturers' data sheets. Those substances included black fibres that were present "in an almost systematic way", silver nanoparticles, coatings on the swab fibres involving different combinations of Silicate, Zirconia, Titanium, Aluminium and Sulphur, and "extremely high" levels of what the authors described as "dust". ...
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