Noninvasive sampling of the distal airspace via HME-filter fluid is not useful to detect SARS-CoV-2 in intubated patients

Table 1 Patient and testing data

Variable	Patient 1	Patient 2	Patient 3	Patient 4
Age, y	72	85	79	66
Female sex	Yes	No	No	Yes
Body-mass index, kg/m [2]	33	27	24	33
CT/chest X-ray morphology for COVID-19	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Time from first positive PCR test until HME swab, h	74	19	222	235
Time on ventilator until HME swab, h	68	19	212	159
Time on ventilator (total), h	494	243	369	159
SARS-CoV-2-positive HME PCR samples	Yes	No	No	No
SARS-CoV-2-positive PCR samples after HME PCR testing (BAL)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Therapy with corticosteroid	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Therapy with azithromycin	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Antiviral medication	No	No	No	No
Death within 30 days	No	Yes	Yes	No

ISSN: 1364-8535