Conclusion
The novel ANS had high positive percentage agreement in detection of respiratory viruses, which was comparable to the current CTN standard of care. In addition, it provided a more comfortable experience and was preferred by children, parents/guardians and nurses. Further research in asymptomatic children and those with specific viruses of interest (e.g. SARS-CoV-2) are needed. The ease of use of this method, with potential for self-collection, provides an alternative to CTN testing by medical or nursing staff detection of respiratory viruses, and may contribute to improved public health and epidemiological surveillance.