An NHS doctor has explained how using tap water or fizzy drinks could produce a positive result on lateral flow tests.
It comes after a number of conspiracy theorists claimed that pouring a fizzy drink on the Covid test - which resulted in a positive result - was evidence of the pandemic not being real.
However, Dr Karan Raj, who posts under the username dr.karanr on TikTok, has shared a clip completely debunking the myth and explaining the science behind it, reports The Mirror.
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His video begins by taking apart a lateral flow test kit to explain how the kits work as well as the importance of the fluid that comes with the kit.
“This grey box and the portion just above it contains antibodies that are sensitive to the Covid-19 virus”, he explains.
“If you use anything like soda, tap water and fizzy drinks then that’s going to provide an altered pH, which will affect the function of the antibodies on the test line.”
Dr Raj goes on to urge people to closely follow the instructions provided with test kits.
He adds: “That’s why you need to use this buffer solution, which provides a stable pH, which will actually make the test work.”
Lateral flow test kits have become a key part of England's coronavirus strategy as it's results depend on whether an individual will need to isolate or not.
Altered results from lateral flow tests can also come about when people make common mistakes when taking the test
These include eating or drinking 30 minutes before taking the test, not washing hands or blowing your nose and not properly using the swab provided in the test kit.
Currently, anyone who experiences the three main coronavirus symptoms - a new continuous cough, a fever or a loss of taste or smell - should get a PCR test immediately.
