My first ever stab at the home Covid test came up negative. Update posted...

[Wounded Bear]

Last edited Wed Mar 16, 2022, 11:24 AM - Edit history (1)

been having some cold symptoms for a day or so - chest congestion and a bit of a runny nose, so I figured what the hell let's burn one of my free tests.

I think I did everything right, and after 15 minutes there is just one C bar and no hint of a T line.



But I think I'll be wearing a mask for the next few days, even though the mask mandate is lifted in my state.

[Scrivener7]

1. Feel better. Glad it's negative.

[Walleye]

2. I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago, negative test, spring allergies probably

[Wounded Bear]

4. Not for me. I don't get them. But feels like a good old fashioned chest cold...

oh well. The hot/cold nature of spring weather often does me in. Maybe my flu shot is wearing off.

Whatever. I may test again in a couple of days.

[Walleye]

5. Yes. I think the germs thrive on these wild temperature swings

Feel better soon

[UTUSN]

3. What am I doing wrong? Complicated test for me. "Invalid" result.

Probably didn't swab well enough or swirl enough in solution or 3 drops enough in test window.

[Walleye]

6. My first one was inconclusive.I think I foamed up the reagent too much

[UTUSN]

7. The reagent is supposed to foam up? I wasted a test. I went over the instructions

4 or 5 times, much more than what I do for anything else, even in posting here sometimes I Rec or reply going by the thread title without reading the O.P.!1

I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks.

[Walleye]

8. I tested again the next day and it was negative and it worked fine so good luck

[Akoto]

9. Are you using Binax Now tests? I use those and it doesn't need to foam. nt

[UTUSN]

11. My box says iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test.

The instructions even confused, said separate things for "Test Set 1" and "Test Set 2" - which the materials weren't labeled for, had to look closely at the diagrams to guess which one I had. (Test Set 1).

Also, the descriptions were full of disclaimers about lots of "false negative" results.

[UTUSN]

12. Woohoo - success and *NEGATIVE*!!!!!!!!!!!

I needed to digest the CONCEPT of how each step worked and fit in the whole process. Took extra care each step - ouch for that swab!1

Fully understood that the sample *squeezed* into the reagent was the key. And the payoff was the "C" only, no C & T!

[Akoto]

10. I really like having the home tests. We keep Binax Now tests in stock.

It's a great way to be able to relieve anxiety quickly, for those of us prone to worrying, to say nothing of safety for us and others. We've used them a few times, especially since my dad had to start chemo.

Glad your test was negative!

[marie999]

13. Mt husband was not feeling well so took the test and it came back negative.

I made him go to the VA clinic and their test takes 24-48 hours for the result and it came back positive. My came back negative. I don't remember what test the government sent us in the mail, but is was a week after they started sending them.

[live love laugh]

14. I had a sporadic cough and lymph glands in right neck hurt

Test negative also.

I’m doubting the efficacy of the tests—especially for detecting variants.

[Wounded Bear]

15. Wednesday followup, second test negative as well...

I know the home tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests from the labs, but I feel better to have 2 consecutive tests be negative.



Cold symptoms are evolving into more upper chest and throat, but nothing that feels life threatening. I suppose it could be the flu shot wearing off, too. I got that in November IIRC. I try not to get that too early. Perhaps this year's dose wasn't quite as effective as other years. Oh well.