Use the Corona self-test correctly: These five mistakes can lead to incorrect results
Created: 02/11/2022, 09:17
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
Focus .
"It is important to take the test before breakfast and
not to eat anything,
" 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
your teeth
before the test, or to keep a longer distance," Sandmann continued.
But that's not all: You should also refrain from
mouthwash
before the self-test, as well as from
smoking
.
There should be at least 30 minutes between these activities and the test.
The British doctor Dr.
Nathan Hudson-Peacock also reported, according to
Metro
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 morning .
The test should therefore be carried out immediately after getting up.
Read here
: Fourth vaccination: Boosters are probably more and more age-dependent – "It looks different with younger people".
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
can be detected earlier in the throat than in the nose
.
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
follow the instructions on the package insert
– otherwise, according to
apotheke-adhoc.de
, 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
: do all corona tests detect an omicron infection?
Ciesek lists suitable rapid tests.
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
15 minutes
.
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 -
temperatures
between five and 30 degrees
are generally optimal.
Also pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends on the subject of storage.
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