test performance

Hi all and I am sorry, this will be my last post regarding this test, I promise.

When I had the oral swab test done, I was just told to get the pad on the stick "really wet." I don't even remember if I swabbed my gums with it, but I licked it with my tongue because when I gave it back to the nurse she said she didn't think it would be wet enough to get a significant sample. You are supposed to swab the gums and cheeks as the test is for use with oral fluid- NOT saliva (which is on the tongue.) My results were negative but I am fearful they are not accurate as the test wasn't performed the way it was supposed to be (swab once around upper gums and once around lower gums.) The saliva from my tongue could have messed up the results easily as there aren't nearly as much antibodies found in saliva as there are in oral fluid found on the gums and cheeks. If the test was using my saliva rather than oral fluid, it might not have picked up antibodies as there are not as many in saliva.

Should I get the test again? Thanks again

[Vance2335]

Don't let anxiety get the best of you.

[auroralights]

Really trying not to, thanks Vance. Just concerned if I need to have the test re-done correctly, your opinion?

[Teak]

No the saliva could not affect the test. The test isn't testing saliva and it not absorbing saliva.

[auroralights]

Thank you SO much Teak. So as long as there was a control line then it got an adequate sample and I don't need to worry about the saliva?

Thank you, truly, for dealing with my anxiety-driven questions. I know I'm being irritating and I just wanted to say I really appreciate what you all are doing for people here. You've helped me so much and I know others feel the same.

[Teak]

Correct.

[auroralights]

Thanks Teak. :)

You're amazing!