Table 3 Linear mixed-effect model analyses for Ct values stratified by exposures.

From: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath from non-hospitalized COVID-19-infected individuals

Exposure

Mean Ct value [95% CI]

Mean difference of Ct value [95% CI]

P value

Symptoms*

Asymptomatic patients

37.17 [34.75; 39.60]

Ref

 

Symptomatic patients

35.77 [35.16; 36.38]

− 1.40 [− 3.90; 1.09]

0.267

Duration of symptoms*

Symptom duration > 4 days

36.74 [35.88; 37.59]

Ref

 

Symptom duration ≤ 4 days

34.99 [34.21; 35.78]

− 1.74 [− 2.90; − 0.57]

0.004

Variant of SARS-CoV-2*

Wildtype

35.80 [34.43; 37.18]

Ref

 

B.1.1.7

35.71 [35.05; 36.36]

− 0.10 [− 1.63; 1.42]

0.894

Method of air sampling

Exhaling

35.54 [34.22; 36.86]

Ref

 

Singing/loud talking

35.92 [35.02; 36.83]

0.38 [− 0.90; 1.67]

0.545

  1. Ct cycle threshold, CI confidence interval, IQR interquartile range, Ref reference, SARS-CoV-2 severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2.
  2. *Samples obtained through singing/loud talking.
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