The Government has been monitoring the latest developments of COVID-19 testing and referring to various factors in selecting the appropriate specimen collection method for different testing schemes.

The Food & Health Bureau made the statement today in response to media enquiries on the suitability of the specimens collected for virus testing.

It said the Government referred to scientific research, practical experience and expert opinions from various places and Hong Kong in selecting the appropriate specimen collection method.

Deep-throat saliva (DTS), nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and combined nasal and throat swab (CNTS) are the most common specimen types used in the city, the bureau said, adding that the three methods are on par in terms of accuracy and sensitivity and all of them are effective in identifying COVID-19 cases.

Currently, specimen collection for compulsory testing purposes has mostly adopted professional swab sampling of CNTS to ensure specimen quality.

From November 15 to December 22, more than 450,000 tests had been carried out through compulsory testing, with professional swab sampling accounting for close to 60% of the specimens tested.

During the same period, the community testing centres' fee-paying testing service had provided professional swabbing service to over 220,000 people, accounting for close to 50% of the 1.36 million tests conducted.

Other community testing arrangements for surveillance purposes under targeted testing and voluntary testing for the general public and targeted groups are conducted on a voluntary basis. The Government would adopt different sampling methods, including distribution of DTS specimen bottles, having regard to the venue and other factors.

From November 15 to December 22, close to 540,000 specimen bottles had been distributed through designated general outpatient clinics, post offices and select MTR stations. About 240,000 samples had been collected, and 238 tested positive.

The Government would select different specimen collection methods taking into consideration factors such as testing purpose, site environment and convenience to the public, the bureau added.