With the weather changing its pattern like a girl having mood swings, it is inevitable to feel sick at times. Despite being fully vaccinated, being a typical paranoid Singaporean as the cases are starting to spike again, I dug out my self-test kit for COVID-19 which I retrieved from the Community Centre some time back to do a test. I followed the step-by-step instructions in the test kit, hoping that I did the test correctly and kept my fingers crossed for a negative result.
After opening the test kit, you will see a tray and the instructions for the test. As I dragged my husband to help me with this, we kind of panicked as we saw booklets of words we don’t understand until we found the instruction sheet in English. As my husband was reading the instructions for the test, I went to wash my hands with soap and dried my hands with a paper towel. Here goes!
Step 1: Check your test kit – it should contain 2 tubes, a tube holder, 2 swabs, and 2 test stripes. On the side, you will need to prepare a timer (for us we just use the timer in our phones).
Step 2: Find a flat surface to place the test tray which have the tube holder, remove the cap from the tube carefully and place it into the tube holder.
Step 3: Check the side of the opening and remove the swab from its wrapper. Do not touch the swab head!
Then, gently insert the swab ½ to ¾ of an inch into the nostril, depending on the size of your nose. Firmly rub the swab in a circular motion around the inside of the wall of one of your nostrils (at least 4 times) and then using the same swab, repeat this on the other side.
I do not speak for all, but I had to sneeze in between because it was so ticklish! A tip I found out after was to take a deep breath and hold your breath until the swab is done to reduce the tickling sensation!
Step 4: After the swab, immediately place the swab into the tube, ensuring that the swab is touching the bottom of the tube with the liquid. Stir the liquid with the swab 3 – 4 times and leave it inside for 1 minute. Start the stopwatch for 1 minute!
Step 5: After 1 minute, remove the swab from the tube by rubbing the swab against the inside wall of the tube and slowly moving upwards. This will help to remove as much liquid from the swab. Then, dispose the swab into the rubbish bin.
Step 6: Open the test stripe carefully at the slit and hold the test stripe where there are a lot of words. Note to avoid the blank part as that is where the results will show!
Step 7: Place the test stripe into the tube with the arrows pointing down. Leave the stripe in the tube for a full 10 minutes. Start the timer.
Step 8: At 10 minutes, remove the test stripe from the tube and see the results!
- Positive result will show both a blue and a pink line.
- Negative result will show only a blue line.
- Invalid result will show only a pink line or no lines at all.
While waiting for the results, try not to shake or move the tube even though it is so nerve wrecking. Luckily for me, it was a negative result! I feel that at such times, it is everyone’s responsibility to stay healthy and see a doctor if you are feeling unwell. Let’s all do our part to defeat this monster. May the world return to its new normal soon! Stay safe y’all!
This article was brought to you by Leona. Riding a rollercoaster journey while adulting and always on the outlook for good drama series!
