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Original poster

Why oh why oh why

8 replies

badger2005 · 09/02/2022 15:02

I just opened up my covid test - the rectangular thing you drop stuff onto, with the one or two lines. Obviously enough, it's just a little papery strip inside the plastic casing. Why oh why don't we just get sent the papery strips? Then we could keep re-using the plastic casing?

OP posts:

SpittinKitten · 09/02/2022 15:04

Contamination risk?

Original poster

badger2005 · 09/02/2022 15:06

You think? It already arrives in a sealed pouch and you're supposed to wash your hands before doing the test...

OP posts:

Rodion · 09/02/2022 15:13

I think it's usability. It has to be very simple and unfaffy - something that could be sent out to anyone and everyone and have the fewest worries about whether arthritic fingers etc would struggle.

EllieQ · 09/02/2022 15:16

@badger2005

You think? It already arrives in a sealed pouch and you're supposed to wash your hands before doing the test...

I think @SpittinKitten means contaminating the new test paper if the plastic casing isn’t clean when you re-use it.

TillyTopper · 09/02/2022 15:23

I think there are 2 reasons (1) keep the chance of contamination low to avoid false results, especially as it's not test and go - you have to wait for several minutes so would have to put it down somewhere and (2) don't want to potentially have little pools of spit hanging around which isn't contained (with the stick and the little dropper it's always contained).

Horological · 09/02/2022 15:32

I just saw a video on facebook (but can't find it again) of an easy way of recycling tests to make plant markers. Not sure if I have explained that correctly. Anyway apparently you can take the back off and then write the plant name in the middle bit. Sorry you'll have to google as that's abit vague!

Anyway I was really pleased to see there is a use for at least part of the test kit. I had the waste of plastic.

Theyellowflamingo · 09/02/2022 15:35

I feel the same about pregnancy tests - the little strips you just dip work perfectly well, why does a pregnancy test need a massive plastic case and a little lid for the end?!

The covid tests though I presume it’s a contamination issue, would people really wash them between strips?! Plus you have to cater to a huge range of physical abilities, literacy, hygiene standards…

Original poster

badger2005 · 09/02/2022 16:26

Oh okay yes I see what you mean now about contamination. Though I guess you could re-use a plastic case until you got a positive?

I feel like I waste so much plastic. There's this, and then all the times when I put empty pots in the recycling and then buy exactly the same things again the next week... humous, milk etc... i buy these pots week after week. I know there is probably some way to refill them, but I don't know of anywhere in my town

OP posts:

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