Beware of the risk of poisoning from the buffer solution of the COVID-19 rapid test kit if used incorrectly

The solution in the COVID-19 rapid test kits can lead to poisoning if people use it incorrectly.

According to the newly issued guidance on home management for people with COVID-19, authorities allow people to self-identify with COVID-19 by rapid testing instead of medical staff performing or monitoring remotely. . However, rapid self-testing at home is raising concerns.

According to some reports in the United States, COVID-19 rapid test kits can lead to poisoning if people use them incorrectly. Reports in India also show that cases of poisoning from the COVID rapid test are on the rise.

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According to a report published in USA Today, the US National Poison Center has warned that a dangerous chemical found in the buffer solution of the COVID rapid test kit can lead to poisoning.

This chemical is sodium azide, colorless, odorless, tasteless, mainly used in car airbags and in the treatment of insect pests. The sodium azide in the buffer of the rapid test kit activates a chemical reaction that helps detect the virus SARS-CoV-2.

Experts recommend that, although the COVID rapid test kit contains only a small amount of the toxic chemical sodium azide, you should not take it lightly.

Sodium azide is a toxic chemical. During the process, if not swallowed a low dose can also cause poisoning. Contact with small amounts of sodium azide on the skin can also cause skin irritation. If the chemical comes into contact with the eyes and nose, it can cause eye burns and nasal mucosal burns. If you accidentally swallow sodium azide, you will experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, and low blood pressure.

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Therefore, when performing a rapid test, you need to absolutely avoid, do not let the solution come into direct contact with the body. In case of contact with the skin, eyes or nose and irritation, quickly wash these areas with warm water for about 15-20 minutes.

If you accidentally ingest sodium azide in large quantities, you can experience serious complications and need to quickly contact the nearest medical facility for timely emergency care.

The safest and most effective way to use quick test

1. Store the COVID-19 antigen rapid test kit between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius. Storage at higher temperatures may cause the protein in the tests to be denatured.

Also, do not allow the kit to “freeze” to avoid damaging the test kit components.

2. Do not use the test kit immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator. You should leave the test kit out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before use to ensure effectiveness.

3. It is necessary to check the test kit to see if it has an expiration date or not. You can see the expiration date of the test kit on the box. Expired products may contain expired or denatured biological or chemical reagents.

4. Do not open the test kit too early, only when you are ready to do the test do you open the kit. Opening the test kit early can lead to false positive results.

5. Testing should not be performed too early or too late after exposure. One study found that a rapid test kit could not detect SARS-CoV-2 (which causes the disease COVID-19) until at least two days after the person was exposed to F0. On average, it takes 3 days

6. All used test materials are considered infectious waste and should be collected and disposed of in accordance with regulations. Garbage is collected and tied up. Do not mix used test materials with normal household waste.