Covid-19 test kit turning positive under tap water is due to wrong usage

HYDERABAD: A video of a Covid-19 test kit turning positive when run under tap water is being circulated on WhatsApp.

It is being claimed that the test kit is a "medical mafia".

The video is viral with the text, "Medical mafia: corona kits showing tap water as positive."

FACT CHECK:

The test kit used in the viral video is the 'Abbott Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device' Corona Test Kit. The user manual clearly mentions that no other liquid apart from that provided in the buffer bottle is to be used. Other specimen types or fluids (like tap water) may lead to incorrect results and must not be used. Failure to follow the instructions for test procedure may adversely affect test performance and/or produce invalid results.

https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/en/product-details/panbio-covid-19-ag-antigen-test.html https://dam.abbott.com/en-gb/panbio/120007883-v1-Panbio-COVID-19-Ag-Nasal-AsymptomaticSe.pdf

In April 2021, when the same video was viral, 'Abbott' clarified saying the Rapid Test Device is to be used only with samples collected with a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab. And Panbio Ag is not for use with water or any other foods or liquids. The test kit was likely to show false results due to its chemical properties if other fluids were used.

Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device is for use with samples collected with a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab inserted into a person's nostrils. Panbio Ag is not for use with water or any other foods or liquids.

— Abbott (@AbbottNews) April 25, 2021

Furthermore, World Health Organization said the risk coronaviruses pose to drinking water is considered to be low and the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies.

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/environmental-surveillance

Evidently, the viral video shows false results due to the wrong usage of the kit.