The National Capital Poison Center issued a warning about the liquid found in many antigen COVID-19 tests, reminding users that it is dangerous to ingest.
“It is important to know that the extraction vial in many rapid antigen kits includes the chemical sodium azide as a preservative agent,” the center reported. “The BinaxNow, BD Veritor, Flowflex, and Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 rapid antigen kits all contain this chemical.”
Sodium azide is the odorless, colorless powder found in the liquid that testers dip the cotton swab into immediately after swabbing. This chemical is also found in automobile airbags, herbicides, and pest control agents.
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Upon ingestion, it can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and heart palpitations, according to the center. In its most severe cases, it can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. The center assured users that the amount found in test kits “is much lower than the amount expected to cause poisoning if swallowed by an adult.”
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If you suspect you or someone you know has swallowed sodium azide, do not make the person vomit. For eye exposures, rinse the eyes for 15-20 minutes with warm tap water. For skin exposures, rinse the skin well with tap water. Immediately check Poison Control Centers’ online tool for guidance or call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
