False Information!

South Sudan has no plans of adopting anal swab Covid-19 test.  

It is being reported that South Sudan intends to adopt anal swab as a method of having quick COVID-19 test in fight against the novel coronavirus. 

The claim was shared on Facebook and published on several alternative media websites in a barrage of local headlines.

“South Sudan to adopt Anal Swab as COVID-19 cases surge – Medical Practitioner,” reads the headline of Ramciel Broadcasting Corporation news article.

The same article was republished by Juba Eye on their Facebook Page.

When contacted by 211 Check, Dr. Loi Thuou Ezekiel – Ministry of Health spokesperson said, “No, I have never heard something like anal swab. I am the official spokesperson of the ministry of health but I am not aware of that”. 

For his part, Dr. Angelo Guop Thon – Public Health Laboratory Manager overseeing COVID-19 test said the story was a distortion of information. 

He stressed that the physicians are having a number of consultations toward adopting Rapid Breath Analysis (RBT).

“It is called rapid test [RBT] but it is not a swab. We are actually discussing and the final approval is about to be made. The moment it is approved, we shall let you know. It might take 1-2 weeks for it to be approved” said Dr. Angelo. 

As per 211 additional research, anal swab test is being used in China.

Anal Swab Test

What is the difference between Anal Swab Test and Rapid Breath Analysis? 

According to medics, an anal swab test involves inserting a cotton swab 1.2 to 2 inches into the rectum. Once the swab reaches there, it is gently rotated several times, then removed and placed into a sample container. The entire process only takes about 10 seconds. The method was first rolled out in China in January this year 2021. 

(https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/anal-swabs-coronavirus)

Rapid Breath Analysis

Early trials of a new test for coronavirus open up the possibility of “rapid identification” for the disease in seconds rather than hours.

Research results published by the Lancet follow trials in Scotland and Germany showing breath analysis developed in Wales may be able to distinguish Covid-19 from other chest infections almost immediately. 

According to medics, the latest machines were developed by Imspex Diagnostics at its headquarters in the Cynon Valley in south Wales. 

Originally, the technology was being used to develop tests to detect illnesses such as lung cancer, and how to distinguish between bacterial and viral respiratory diseases quickly. 

But as the new strain of coronavirus became a global pandemic, the firm took the decision to focus its diagnostic efforts on the emerging disease. 

(https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-54718848)

Kindly, disregard any information online stating that South Sudan is planning to adopt anal swab test. 

To know about our fact-checking process,  click the link below, https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or contact us via 211check.org to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you an immediate feedback.

The story was fact-checked by Emmanuel Bida – AFF – South Sudan fellow. Cohort 1.