15 things not to do when using a rapid antigen test, from storing in the refrigerator to sampling your nose

Storing at higher temperatures means that the protein in the test can be denatured — a permanent change in the protein’s structure, just like you would boil an egg.
Leaving the test open for storage can lead to false positives (you can test positive without actually having COVID).
A study that has not yet been reviewed by experts suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, cannot be detected by the RAT until at least the second day after exposure.
The RAT also failed to detect the virus after about 7 or 8 days after exposure.So don’t wait too long to get tested.
RAT sensitivity (ability to detect positive cases) increases if you take daily tests over several days.
Some RATs require a nasal swab, others use saliva.The way the virus is extracted from the sample, the number of drops added to the test device, and the time frame for reading the results vary by brand.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions, especially if it’s a new brand, or it’s been a while since the last RAT.
Do not touch the tip of the swab (the soft part that goes into the nose) with your fingers or let it come into contact with other surfaces.
When inserting a nasal swab, you are not wiping the inside of your nostrils, but the tissue deep in your nasal passages.
Then hold the swab lightly against the wall of the nasal passage and rotate it the exact number of times your test recommends.
Because it’s easy to get the angle/depth wrong, it’s best to have a parent or caregiver sample the child.
Most RATs should not be used on children under the age of two, so check the instructions if you’re not sure.
Abandon the test and do another test when the bleeding stops, or just wipe on the side that doesn’t bleed.
If you are prone to nosebleeds, do not use a test that requires a nasal swab.Use a saliva test instead.
Adding the correct number of droplets will ensure that the liquid crosses the test surface within a certain amount of time.
If you add extra drops, or too few, you’ll mess up the timeline and the test won’t work.
Reading the test too early may give you a false negative result (the test is negative but you are positive).
Seal any components of the kit that come into contact with your nasal or saliva sample (swabs, containers, reagents, test equipment, etc.) in the plastic bag provided and discard in the trash.
Professor Thea van de Mortel (Dr) Thea van de Mortel is a Registered Nurse with a clinical background in Intensive Care Nursing and a keen interest in biological sciences, holding an Honours Degree in Biology and a PhD in Infection Control.