After schools in England discovered that kids had figured out how to make an LFD rapid-result COVID test positive with fruit juices and soda — which triggered school closures — officials warned parents to be watchful, and to remember that a positive LFD test must be confirmed with a follow-up PCR test.
Their resourcefulness triggered ZME Science writer Mark Lorch to see if he could foil their tricks by finding out why the tests could be manipulated like that. It turns out it has to do with how the antibodies in the test respond to the acidic nature of the drinks.
“Maintaining an ideal pH for the antibodies is key to the correct function of the test,” Lorch said. He challenged the innovative young people to devise a way to counter his discovery, so the work can be published in a peer-reviewed journal. So far, the young people are sharing the trick on Tik Tok and other social media.
SOURCES:
ZME Science July 5, 2021
Express June 25, 2021