A viral video showing a rapid test with orange juice has garnered millions of views, leaving many confused and fearful that “could oranges also be infected?”
The creator of the video uses orange juice on a Covid-19 test strip, resulting in two lines.
The video, which has reached 2.5 million views, is stirring discussions as the fourth wave of Covid-19 intensifies. In the clip, the creator pours orange juice onto a Covid-19 test strip. Surprisingly, the result shows two lines. This result, if derived from nasal fluid, would indicate a positive case for nCoV.
Rapid test video with orange juice, showing two lines on the test kit.
This video has caused concern among viewers who do not understand the reason behind it.
– Can oranges also be infected with Covid-19?
– In my area, they advise against drinking orange juice before a rapid test. Perhaps this is the reason.
– The other day in my company, a colleague drank orange juice and then tested positive. The PCR test was negative, and she showed no symptoms. People were skeptical about the orange juice causing a positive result.
So, what is the truth behind the claim that “orange juice causes a positive result”? This has been explained by science.
The Guardian reports that orange juice can produce false positive results in rapid Covid-19 tests, as the acidity of the juice can damage the test kit. Other beverages like Coca-Cola and tomato sauce can yield similar results.
Some students in the UK discovered this and exploited it as an excuse to take two weeks off from school. Professor Jon Deeks from the University of Birmingham condemned this behavior: “A positive test result affects the family of the student involved, and this is a selfish act.”
