Fig. 2

Number of positive and negative RT-PCR test results since symptom onset. Each panel shows a separate site used in participant sampling. Nasopharyngeal, saliva, and sputum were used where clearly reported. Throat included throat and oropharyngeal. Other URT includes samples reported in articles as nasal, mixed nasal and throat, oral, pharyngeal, or upper respiratory tract. For pharyngeal sampling, it was not clear if this was nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal. Other LRT includes sampling reported as lower respiratory tract or one article including pleural fluid sampling. Blood included serum, plasma, or blood. Faeces included stool or anal swab. Each panel shows 5-day time periods since the onset of symptoms: 0–4 days, 5–9 days, 10–14 days, 15–19 days, 20–25 days, 26–30 days, 31–34 days, and 35 to max days. The numbers of positive RT-PCR tests are shown as dark blue bars and dark grey bars from 0 to 14 days and 15 to 40 days, respectively, and the number of negative RT-PCR results is shown similarly as light blue bars and light grey bars. Different colours are used before and after 15 days to indicate caution, as after 15 days testing is enriched in more severely ill participants. The total number of tests within a particular time period can be read from the x-axis