There are several kinds of lateral flow testing. The test you’re taking may be different from others you’ve taken.
Before doing the test, read the instructions that came with your test kit, since they have various waiting durations and tests require either a:
Swabs for the throat and nose
simply a nose swab
- Prior to performing a fast lateral flow test, If you’re conducting the test at home, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping 30 minutes before the test, since this may alter the results of some tests.
Read the instructions carefully, clean the area where the test will be performed, and ensure that nothing in the test kit is damaged or broken. - Begin the test within 30 minutes after opening the test kit.
The main stages in doing a fast lateral flow test
If you are performing the test at a test site and require assistance, a professional assistant can assist you.
- Read the test kit’s instructions
- Hands should be washed with soap or sanitized with a hand sanitizer.
- If your test does not come with a pre-filled tube, lay out all of the components in the test kit on a clean area, fill the tube with the liquid provided, and seal the lid.
- Place the tube in the tube holder, blow your nose, and wash your hands one more.
Take the swab
- If a throat swab is required for your test, open your mouth wide and massage the swab over your tonsils (or where they would have been). Avoid letting the swab’s tip come into contact with your teeth, tongue, or gums.
- Insert the same swab into your nose (about 2.5 cm up or until you feel some resistance)
- If your test just requires a nasal swab, insert the swab into your nose (about 2.5 cm up)
Completing the examination:
- Insert the swab into the tube so that it is submerged in the liquid.
- Squeeze the liquid from the tube onto the test strip and refer to the directions that came with your test kit for the waiting time.
- Wait the time specified in your test kit’s instructions.
- read your outcome
- Do not leave it for any longer than the period stated in the test kit instructions, since this may alter the outcome.
