An at-home COVID-19 test is a key tool in containing the spread of the coronavirus. But a few safety precautions are in order to prevent serious injury, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
The tests can cause harm if they’re not used according to manufacturers’ instructions, and they also need to be kept out of reach from children and pets, the FDA says.
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Injuries from incorrect use
The FDA has received reports of injuries caused by incorrect use of at-home COVID-19 tests due to:
- People accidentally putting liquid test solution in their eyes when small vials of test solution were mistaken for eye drops.
- Placing nasal collection swabs into the liquid solution prior to swabbing the nose (the liquid solution is not supposed to touch your body).
- Children putting test parts in their mouth and swallowing liquid test solution.
Self-testing is safe when the tests are used and stored properly.
They offer a convenient and important way for people to check whether they or family members are infected with the coronavirus, according to the agency.
However, the liquid solutions in the test may contain irritating or toxic chemicals such as sodium azide. These chemicals can cause harm if