Use the Corona self-test correctly: These five mistakes can lead to incorrect results

Created: 02/10/2022 15:33

By: Franziska Kaindl

Proper execution of the corona self-test is the be-all and end-all for a reliable result.

We show you typical sources of error.

Corona self-tests* have now become part of everyday life for many: Whether for work, for school or before meeting friends - the swabs are used regularly at home to test for the virus.

However, in order to obtain reliable results, a few points must be observed during use.

We will show you which errors could lead to a falsified result.

Mistake 1: Meals, smoking or brushing your teeth before the Corona self-test

Have you just eaten something and now want to do a self-test?

That's not a good idea, as the pharmacist Peter Sandmann told

the online portal

"It is important to take the test before breakfast and

" was the recommendation.

Because when swallowing the meal, virus components can be removed from the mucous membrane.

"It is also very important not to take care of

before the test, or to keep a longer distance," Sandmann continued.

But that's not all: You should also refrain from

before the self-test, as well as from

.

There should be at least 30 minutes between these activities and the test.

The British doctor Dr.

Nathan Hudson-Peacock also reported, according to

magazine , that the level of carbonation in beverages consumed before the test can falsely lead to a positive test.

Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong time

In principle, a corona self-test can be carried out at any time of the day.

Theoretically, however, the viral load is

highest in

The test should therefore be carried out immediately after getting up.

Read here

Error 3: Sample taken incorrectly

The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut PEI assumes that the self-tests approved in Germany are also suitable for the Omicron variant, as reported by the North German Broadcasting Corporation (NDR).

However, the type of sampling could play an important role in detecting an infection.

According to a preliminary study (preprint December 24) from South Africa, omicron

.

According to reports circulating on the Internet and reported by the Augsburger Allgemeine, the virologist Andreas Dotzauer and the epidemiologist Hajo Zeeb are also said to say that omicron viruses are easier to detect in the mouth area.

Therefore, Dotzauer's recommendation is to carry out a swab both in the throat and in the nose.

There would be “rapid tests that are definitely designed for both”.

In general, however, users should

– otherwise, according to

, there is a risk of injury.

However, anyone who prefers a decrease in the throat should not only wipe the cheek from the inside.

Also, "the addition of too much saliva can falsify the result."

Also interesting

Error 4: Waiting time not observed

After you have taken the sample, you should note the waiting time that is noted in the package insert.

Usually it is

.

You should neither fall short nor exceed this waiting time in order to obtain a reliable result.

Mistake 5: Corona self-tests stored incorrectly

Corona self-tests must be stored correctly in order to maintain the sensitivity and validity of the test.

However, the test kits are not as demanding as some foods -

are generally optimal.

Also pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends on the subject of storage.