Note before quick test for Covid-19 to avoid false results

Quick test Covid-19 has become an important factor in today’s life due to the impact of the pandemic. If you do not perform the test according to the manufacturer’s instructions, there is a risk of getting a false positive/negative result.

While the rapid test looks simple, the technology is quite sensitive, explains David Speers, a clinical microbiologist. The liquid in the canister controls the chemistry and pH, acidity, etc. of the sample.

Therefore, eating, brushing or smoking within 30 minutes before the rapid test may affect the results.

“When you drink soft drinks that are quite acidic, it can cause false positives,” says Speers. Dairy products, orange juice and even ketchup have the potential to cause problems. similar subject.

Illustration: News Medical

Test samples may not function properly if exposed to light or excessive heat, or the packaging is damaged. Therefore, you need to read the instructions to set the test kit to the correct temperature. As a general rule, you should store it between 2 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

You must not put the test kit in the freezer. If stored in the refrigerator, you should remove the test kit 30 minutes before use.

Rapid tests are intrinsically less sensitive than PCR. That’s why some people may get a false negative.

“Studies have shown rapid testing is most effective during the first days of illness,” says Dr. When symptoms are not present, the test is usually negative.

Dr Ashwin Swaminathan, a lecturer at the Australian National University, advises people to wait at least 48 hours after exposure before testing. You should repeat the test 5-7 days later.

Some samples are taken from the nose. Therefore, people suspected of being infected must blow their nose clean. If you pick your nose and it bleeds, discard the sample and take it back in the other nostril.

“If you don’t get the sample right from the start, you can easily not get the right results,” says Dr. Speers.

Main notes:

– Make sure the test kit is still expired

– Only open test kit components just before use

– Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions

– Do not touch the tip of the cotton swab

– Wait 30 minutes after smoking to collect nasal secretions and after eating, brushing teeth, chewing gum if you collect saliva.

– Read results at the right time, not too early or too late (usually 15-30 minutes depending on each test kit).

An Yen (According to ABC)