Because the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the U.S. authorities expanded efforts to extend at-home COVID testing. In January 2022 it was introduced that each house is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 take a look at kits.
On the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Data Middle, now we have seen an uptick in unintentional exposures to a substance in these take a look at kits. Poison management facilities nationwide have been reporting the identical discovering. The substance that could be a concern is named the reagent liquid. It’s used to set off the chemical response that detects the presence of coronavirus. The ingredient of fear on this liquid is a chemical referred to as sodium azide, which is used as a preservative in these kits.
How Unintentional Exposures Are Occurring
The most typical calls to poison facilities have been about kids exploring their surroundings and discovering the small bottle containing reagent liquid and placing it of their mouth or spilling it on themselves. In adults there have been circumstances of “container confusion,” with the bottle being mistaken for eye drops.
What A part of the Package Is a Concern?
The kinds of take a look at kits differ, however they typically comprise a swab, testing card and an extraction vial containing the reagent liquid. When the liquid is swallowed, the sodium azide in it will probably trigger a headache and decrease the blood stress. In giant quantities it will probably trigger seizures.
The excellent news is that the quantity of the sodium azide in these merchandise is small. These merchandise are an ideal instance of “the dose makes the poison.” Most often to this point, kids have simply had a style of the liquid and so they have performed OK. However the weight of the individual and the quantity of liquid ingested make a distinction in how extreme a response they might expertise.
How one can Forestall Unintentional Exposures
To forestall unintentional poisonings from the COVID-19 dwelling take a look at kits, poison management facilities advocate the next ideas:
- Retailer the equipment “up and away,” out of the sight and attain of youngsters and pets.
- Depart the equipment sealed till wanted and throw it away instantly after use.
- Ensure that to learn and observe the directions on the bundle earlier than utilizing.
At our Cincinnati Drug and Poison Data Middle we’re at all times right here to reply any questions you will have if somebody turns into uncovered to the take a look at equipment liquid. Name us 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 and we may help.
