The number of people purchasing at-home COVID-19 tests has been steadily growing since they were first introduced.
As winter approaches, many people look forward to spending time with family and friends at home. But as we go for holidays, it’s also worth remembering that the risk of catching COVID-19 increases with more gatherings and social interactions.
Therefore, we recommend purchasing reliable tests like the Healgen antigen test for at-home testing to keep you and your family members safe from the coronavirus. However, storing these tests is more than just placing them anywhere in the house.
They must be kept at ideal temperatures to keep them from spoiling and away from elements such as direct sunlight. Cold temperatures can cause the test kit liquids to freeze.
Storing them in areas that are too warm or have high humidity can affect the integrity of the tests and interfere with the accuracy of the results. This can lead to false negatives, meaning the tests could show you are not infected with COVID when you actually have it.
Read on as we explain how you should safely store your kits to ensure they last longer. You can also check out the article, ‘What is a Healgen Test?’ to learn more about how home testing kits work and how to use them correctly.
How to Properly Store Your COVID-19 Rapid Tests
At-home self-testing kits are reliable but can become inaccurate when exposed to harsh environmental factors, often due to improper storage. It’s, therefore, crucial to know how to store these tests before purchasing them for home use. Here are tips to help you do that:
Store the Testing Kits at Recommended Temperature
Self-testing kits can get damaged when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
When exposed to extremely high temperatures, the testing kit’s reagent chemicals can be affected in a way that affects the testing kit’s efficiency. An egg whose protein gets denatured after exposure to very high temperatures is a good example.
On the other hand, very cold temperatures may also be unsuitable for the testing kits. However, unlike high temperatures, these effects tend to be temporary so long as the liquids inside don’t freeze.
In the unfortunate event that they freeze, warming them up will not fix it entirely but will cause the tests to become less accurate.
Although the recommended temperatures for at-home testing kits may vary per the manufacturer, many will work fine when kept at temperatures between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Read and Follow Storage Instructions
At-home testing kits may work differently if not from the same manufacturer or of the same model.
So don’t store or use all testing kits as per the instructions you found on the old ones.
Instead, check the box you received for storage guidelines and follow them as listed. Remember to do the same when testing yourself or a loved one for COVID and avoid unnecessary distractions until you are done with testing.
Check for Signs of Damage After Purchase
Don’t be in a hurry to leave before inspecting your package. Damage to the box may not always mean that the product inside is damaged, but it’s still good to check for signs of damage or leaking before accepting your package.
If the contents of the box were unwrapped, torn, wet, or compromised, don’t use the kit but instead, ask for a replacement or refund.
Conclusion
Modern at-home testing kits are reliable and durable. Even so, the kits are not indestructible, and small changes may render them ineffective. Follow the tips to store your at-home COVID-19 Healgen testing kit properly.