Faulty LFT packs

[Itsallrocknroll]

This is the third lot of tests that are not fit for purpose. Either the test strip doesn't even show a line AT ALL or there's not enough liquid for it to work. Exasperated isn't the word. Anyone else having these issues?

Which brand are they? Are you squeezing all the liquid out of the swab using the plastic test tube?

Yes, same here.
The ones that are useless are the original nose and throat ones. The liquid seems to have evaporated to just a few drops and the small amount left sits in the test strip ‘well’ and doesn’t soak into the strip at all.

I just assumed they were past their best.

They've been handing those ones out again recently in my area

@Itsallrocknroll

This is the third lot of tests that are not fit for purpose. Either the test strip doesn't even show a line AT ALL or there's not enough liquid for it to work. Exasperated isn't the word. Anyone else having these issues?

They have always been that crap. I remember barely any liquid. Not only that, the tests show a white line and are so slow. They are really just trying to get rid of them as they are so bad.

Use two vials of liquid for each test. Makes half the pack useful.

My dh tested positive on one today. He could hardly get the liquid out. He had to open it up and tip what was there in rather than squeeze it through the lid. He was positive btw.

@MaizeAmaze

Use two vials of liquid for each test. Makes half the pack useful.

Yes, but it seems a waste.

@MaizeAmaze

Use two vials of liquid for each test. Makes half the pack useful.

Good idea! Better than wasting an entire pack.

Squeeze the liquid container, before removing the swab to make sure all the liquid is out and not absorbed into the swab. Also don't put the dropper on, just tip the liquid into the test.

(That's what I do with the NHS ones)

I had a box with no swabs in it. Utterly useless!

@Sparklynewname

I had a box with no swabs in it. Utterly useless!

Im sure I have quite a few boxes with the vials missing from them! Anyone else?

@NinaDefoe

Yes, same here. The ones that are useless are the original nose and throat ones. The liquid seems to have evaporated to just a few drops and the small amount left sits in the test strip ‘well’ and doesn’t soak into the strip at all.

I just assumed they were past their best.

They’re the ones we’ve been receiving through the post each time we’ve ordered since Christmas.The date of manufacture is recent so it’s not that they’re old stock, they’re just not fit for the purpose.

When stirring the swab in the tube, do it gently so you don't lose half the liquid in the swab. Make sure you give the swab a REALLY good squeeze as you pull it out of the tube. And if after you do the two drops into the well it doesn't travel up the testing kit, try stirring it around the well. Usually mine gets so bunged up with snot, and the snot sinks to the bottom and blocks everything else, that it doesn't allow the rest of the liquid to travel up the cassette. If you stir it or move the snot out of the way, it usually works.

Oh and blow your nose before you start to try and get rid of some of the snot.