So rather than going directly upwards with the swab, try to go horizontally and about 2-3 centimetres back. The way virus is extracted from the sample, the number of drops to add to the testing device, and the timeframe to read the results differ between brands.ДЇamiliarise yourself with the instructions, especially if itвЂ™s a new brand, or itвЂ™s been some time since your last RAT.ДЄre you taking the sample correctly? /PHLN/CDC

Some RATs need nasal swabs, others use saliva. RAT sensitivity (ability to detect a positive case) improves if you take a daily test, over several days.

RATs also cannot detect the virus later than about seven or eight days after exposure. It takes a median of three days to test positive. Taking the test too soon or too late after exposureДЄ study, which has yet to be reviewed by experts, suggests RATs cannot detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) until at least day two after exposure. Storing the test open can lead to false positives (you can test positive without really having COVID). Opening too earlyДo NOT open the test items until you are ready to start.

Expired tests can contain biological or chemical reagents that have gone off or are denatured. Using an out-of-date testДЄlways check the use-by date before using, which youвЂ™ll find on the carton. Let the kit sit out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before using it. The reagents (essential test kit ingredients) will not work properly at cold temperatures.

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