Australians warned not to eat or drink before using saliva rapid antigen tests

As the use of rapid antigen tests becomes increasingly widespread, Australia’s health regulator has warned these simple everyday acts could be producing incorrect results.

Australians have been warned having a meal or cigarette within half an hour of taking certain Covid-19 home testing kits runs the risk of an incorrect result.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says it is important that people do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or brush their teeth for 10 to 30 minutes before using a saliva or oral fluid-based rapid antigen test.

“Many home use tests are available and each one is different. It is important to follow the steps in the instructions provided with the test you use,” the TGA says in a fact sheet on how to use and interpret RAT kit results.

“It is important you do not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth or chew gum for 10–30 minutes (refer to the instructions provided with your test kit for the recommended timing) before collecting saliva for a home use test as it may produce an incorrect result.”

It is important that you do not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth or chew gum for 10-30 minutes (refer to the instructions provided) before collecting saliva for a rapid antigen test as it may produce an incorrect result. Find out more: https://t.co/5ZE60WvvR1 pic.twitter.com/Xm87Lo7m20

— TGA Australia (@TGAgovau) February 2, 2022

The TGA also warned Australians to check that every rapid antigen is in its original approved packaging and to make sure it is not damaged.

“If test packs are divided and repackaged, it is possible that the test will not work properly if all components are not included or the correct instructions are not provided,” the watchdog noted on its website.

“If the packaging around the test kit has been damaged, or the test is exposed to excessive light or heat, it may not work properly.”

HOW SHOULD YOU STORE THE TEST?

Chief executive officer of All Cast PPE, Scott Huntsman — who supplies Covid antigen tests for companies like Officeworks and other major retailers — said storing the test at home is crucial in ensuring it doesn’t impact the results.

“The tests must be stored in temperatures between 2 and 30 degrees. If they are not, they can be compromised and become defective – delivering a false outcome,” he said.

“Keep them in a dry cool place, the fridge is ideal. Take a test out of the fridge 30 minutes before you use it.

“Don’t leave them in your car. Cars heat up quickly and destroy the effectiveness of tests fast.”

Mr Huntsman said people should only purchase a test from a “reputable business or retailer”.

“Don’t purchase from outlets that may not have the expertise to manage a medical product,” he said.

“Do not purchase any multiple test kits that have been broken up into single test units – as some unscrupulous outlets have been doing. Tests are medical products and breaking the seal of a whole kit renders all of the items within useless.

“And finally, if you need the result for reporting purposes, take a photo.”