With the government sending rapid tests to Americans, how should people store their tests to make sure they get the most accurate results?
As the omicron variant continues to tear through the country, having tests produce accurate results is essential, and there are some ways you can keep your test in tip-top shape.
Rapid tests need to be stored at the right temperature and Dr. Amy Mathers shared with TODAY that having them in parts of your home that are too cold or too warm could cause them to be inaccurate.
Mathers is an associate professor of medicine and pathology and associate director of clinical microbiology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
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Very high temperatures can cause the components of the reagent chemicals in the test to be damaged permanently, affecting the test's sensitivity, according to Mathers.
At colder temperatures, the liquids in the test can freeze, and Mathers suggested letting them get back to room temperature before using them if they do get too cold.
While each at-home test kit brand is a little different, each should be stored between the temperatures of 35 and 86 degrees, NBC News reported.
Beyond storing them in the proper temperatures, checking test kits for any potential damage before use is also crucial to making sure you get accurate test results.
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Mathers shared that you shouldn't see any leaking from the test, and if you do, you shouldn't use the test.
Lastly, check the box for instructions as each test is not the same. Even if you have taken a rapid test before, it doesn't mean you're an expert as you may have to use a different brand in a completely new way.
"These are medical tests," Mathers said to NBC News. "They're developed for use in medical settings by trained personnel. So you really, really need to follow the instructions to the exact letter."
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