Using This Test - Flu
Flowflex® Plus COVID-19 and Flu A/B Home Test
How to use this test?
Please refer to the Quick Reference Instructions on how to use this test.
Who can use this test?
This test is authorized for non-prescription home use with self-collected anterior nares nasal swab specimens from individuals aged 14 years or older, or with adult-collected anterior nasal swab specimens from individuals two (2) years or older.
Are there any limitations as to who can use this test?
Do not use this test on children under two years of age. Do not use this test on anyone who is prone to nosebleeds or has had facial injuries or head injuries/surgery in the past six months.
Can people who are vaccinated use this test?
Yes, individuals who are vaccinated can use this test.
What is serial testing? Do I have to serial test with the Flowflex Plus COVID-19 and Flu A/B Home Test?
Serial testing is when you test yourself multiple times for COVID-19 on a routing basis, such as every day or every other day. By testing more frequently, you may detect COVID-19 more quickly and reduce the spread of infection. Serial testing should be performed in symptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 negative results at least twice over three days (with 48 hours between tests). You may need to purchase additional tests to perform this serial (repeat) testing. Consistent with serial testing recommendations for SARS-CoV-2, for multianalyte tests, symptomatic individuals who test positive for influenza A or B on the initial test but test negative for SARS-COV-2 should be tested again in 48 hours to evaluate for co-infection with SARS-COV-2 infection.
Does Flowflex Plus COVID-19 and Flu A/B Home Test work for new variants?
We are continuously monitoring the arrival of new COVID-19 variants, and we promptly evaluate our test’s performance against any new variants, as clinical samples containing the new variants become available to us. This process takes time, but as soon as the results are in, we issue a Press Release on our website to keep consumers informed in a timely manner.
Please check the website for updates at flowflexcovid.com in the news section towards the bottom of the page.
Alternatively, www.aconlabs.com in the News/Tradeshow section.
How deep should I insert the swab into my nose?
Insert the swab ½ to ¾ inches inside your nostril. With children, the maximum depth of insertion into the nostril may be less than ¾ of an inch, and you may need to have a second person hold the child’s head while swabbing. Note: A false-negative result may occur if the nasal swab specimen is not properly collected.
Should I swab my left or right nostril?
Please use the swab to collect specimen from both of your nostrils to ensure sufficient sample collection to generate an accurate result.
For how long do I have to swab my nostril?
Firmly rub the swab in a circular motion around the inside wall of the nostril 5 times. Take approximately 15 seconds to collect the specimen. Be sure to collect any nasal drainage that may be present onto the swab. Repeat this in the other nostril.
What color should the solution be inside the extraction buffer tube?
The solution should be clear and colorless. If you receive a solution that has a yellow color, do not use this test kit. Please contact customer service at (800) 838-9502 for assistance. Customer Service hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (EST), 7 days a week.
After nasal specimen collection, how long do I need to swirl the nasal swab in the buffer tube?
Place the swab into the buffer tube and swirl for 30 seconds. Rotate the swab 5 times while squeezing the tube. Remove the swab while squeezing the tube to extract as much liquid as possible. Attach the dropper tip firmly onto the tube. Mix thoroughly by swirling or flicking the bottom of the tube. Then gently squeeze the tube and dispense 4 drops of solution into the Sample Well.
How many drops should I put in the cassette well? Can I put in all the buffer solution?
You should dispense 4 drops of the solution into the cassette Sample Well. Please do not overuse the buffer solution.
Where should I dispense the solution on the cassette?
You should dispense 4 drops of solution into the cassette Sample Well marked with an “S”.
The liquid in the little tube seems low, how can I tell if I have enough liquid to perform the test?
If the little tube contains approximately 0.28 inch or 7 mm of buffer solution or more, there is enough buffer solution to perform the test.
Is the yellowish color on the tip of my nasal swab normal?
Yes, discoloration of the swab tip is normal and due to UV exposure. The swab is safe to use and will have no impact on test performance.
I just put my swab into the little tube, but I am concerned because the liquid does not cover the entire swab tip. Is this okay?
If the little tube contains approximately 0.28 inch or 7 mm of buffer solution or more, there is enough buffer solution to perform the test, even if the entire swab tip is not covered.
I ran my test and applied 4 drops of the liquid to the test cassette, but I am concerned because the liquid did not cover the entire swab tip when I prepared the sample. Is this okay?
If you were able to apply 4 drops of liquid unto the test cassette sample well marked “S”, and you followed all the instructions on the product insert, then it is fine. The entire swab tip does not need to be covered.
I performed the test according to the instructions, but when I tried to squeeze 4 drops out of the little liquid bottle, there was just enough liquid for 3 drops. Is my test result valid?
For the test to provide an accurate result, you must apply 4 drops of liquid unto the test cassette sample well, the one marked with an “S”. If your tube contained only enough liquid for 3 drops, you must repeat the test with a new cassette and a newly collected specimen sample.
