Nasopharyngeal swabs vs. saliva sampling for SARS-CoV-2 detection: A cross-sectional survey of acceptability for caregivers and children after experiencing both methods

Background: Saliva sampling is a promising alternative to nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing, but acceptability data is lacking. We characterize the acceptability of saliva sampling and nasopharyngeal swabs for primary decision makers and their children after experiencing both testing modalities.
Results: 48 participants and 48 primary decision makers completed the survey. Nasopharyngeal  swab acceptability differed between scenarios, ranging 79% [95%CI: 66, 88] to 100% [95%CI: 95, 100]); saliva  sampling acceptability was similar across scenarios, ranging 92% [95%CI: 82, 97]) to  98% [95%CI: 89, 99]. 58% of youth described significant pain with nasopharyngeal  swabbing, versus none with saliva sampling. 90% of children prefer saliva sampling. 66% of primary decision makers would prefer nasopharyngeal swabbing if it were 10% more sensitive.
Conclusion: Though youth prefer saliva sampling over nasopharyngeal swabs, primary decision makers present for testing remain highly accept...