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“The apple dessert tests positive for Covid-19. We are all contaminated,” is described in the caption of one of the many identical videos that have been disseminated on social networks. The author of the video conducts an experiment in which he subjects the applesauce to a rapid test for Covid-19. The result is positive.
Verification of facts.
According to the circular of May 27 from the General Directorate of Health (DGS), the diagnostic tests for the new coronavirus that are currently available are divided into two categories for the biological components detected:
“1. Virus Components: a) Molecular biology tests (RT-PCR) that detect the RNA of the virus; b) antigen tests that detect proteins, such as proteins on the surface of the virus;
2. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: a) Serological tests that detect antibodies (IgA, IgM and / or IgG) produced by the body in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection “.
Molecular and antigen testing are performed on samples from the upper and / or lower respiratory tract. Serological tests use serum, whole blood, or plasma. The test used in the video is a serological test, but precisely the “MEDsan SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test” as easily seen from the logo shown in the video.
As instructions use of the test in question, from the manufacturer MEDSan, indicate that the team it is only suitable for “human nasopharyngeal and / or oropharyngeal secretions” and that it is “not intended to be used for other body fluids and samples”.
The fact-checking platform AFP Checamos contacted Kai Markus Xiong, a MEDSan spokesman who, without doubting the authenticity of the video, explains that it is impossible to know “if the person in the video is infected with the coronavirus and if the exam was stored correctly “, underlining that” the decontamination proper and professional is not possible, “considering the person is testing on a cloth surface.
At the request of AFP, two MEDSan employees (who tested negative for Covid-19) substances, such as alcohol-based disinfectants, strawberry jam, glass cleaner, apples, and apple juice. They obtained two positives for the disinfectant and a weak positive for gelatin. For AFP, the manufacturer indicates that these results do not contradict the reliability of the kits, since it is not supposed the tests are used in jellies but in humans.
“The test should be viewed as tool to be used by trained professionals, ”Xiong explains. It is also the obligation of professionals to ensure that the conditions are met so that the result is not biased ”. full mouth if you do a test like this ”, he concludes.
“The test should be viewed as tool to be used by trained professionals, ”Xiong explains. It is also the obligation of professionals to ensure that the conditions are met so that the result is not biased ”. full mouth if you do a test like this ”, he concludes.
Anette Beck-Sickinger, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Leipzig, Germany, quoted by AFP, said that these tests, like any other biochemical process, “can only work if they are performed under the conditions Right“.
To perform an antigen test under proper conditions, the sample must be immersed in a buffer solution – an aqueous mixture that is able to withstand changes in pH – which is included in the test kits, as well as in the flask and swab. However, Beck-Sickinger stresses that this solution “is not capable of neutralize large amounts of acid (such as an apple or mango). “
In summary, antigen tests can provide biased results if not performed under proper conditions and if they do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The video in question is an example of this, so it does not question the effectiveness of the tests for Covid-19.
The Polygraph recently reviewed a similar video, in which an Austrian MP wanted to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of these tests with a serving of Coca-Cola. I can read here.
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Editorial note: This content was selected by the polygraph within the framework of an association of fact checking (data verification) with Facebook, designed to evaluate the veracity of the information circulating on that social network.
On Facebook’s rating scale, this content is:
False: the main content claims are inaccurate in fact; this option generally corresponds to the classifications “False” or “Mostly false” in sites fact checkers.
On the polygraph rating scale, this content is:
