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What does it mean by oropharyngeal and

nasopharyngeal being 8%?

Dr. Ravi: The 8% OPS + NPS indicated that 8% of positive samples in total cumulative
samples received and tested at that point of time. Looking at the data here, this was conducted
in April 2020. We have almost 1246 positive samples in April 2020, out of all the samples
obtained, 649 were combinations of OPS+NPS, in which slightly more than 51%. If we look
at nasopharyngeal samples alone, this comprises about 41% while oropharyngeal samples
alone comprise about 20%. I would like to clarify that 8% indicates overall.

Datuk Dr. Chris: It is good to clarify. Otherwise they will think that the test is so insensitive.
Having said that, a negative test does not mean the patient is not infected. It is not just the
technical part of PCR, also how the specimen is taken. Good specimen taking, better result. It
also depends on what point (phase) of infection, the sample was taken.

(After the webinar, Dr Ravi edited the slide on OPS and NPS percentage to put a clearer
picture. The transcript of Dr.Ravi’s presentation no longer has the “8% OPS + NPS” as we
used the updated slide for this eBook.)