TABLE 2.

Comparison of C_T values obtained with alternative samples versus NPS

Sample type	No. of samples	CT (mean ± SD)	P a
NPS	40	22.07 ± 4.63	Reference
Gargle 1	40	29.89 ± 4.34	<0.001
Gargle 2	40	29.25 ± 3.99	<0.001
Sputum	16	25.82 ± 9.21	0.28
Spit	22	23.51 ± 4.57	0.11

^aPaired t test.