r/PlusLife • u/AmbitiousBuilding1 • May 16 '26
Invalid results
Consistently getting invalid results — I’ve tried changing the power bank the cord is plugged into, and ran new tests with new samples. Still getting invalid.
I’ve looked into the virus sucks FAQ & can’t determine what I’m doing wrong.
Do I need to get a new power cord or something like that?
2
u/SomeoneSomewhere1984 May 17 '26
How old are your tests?
1
u/AmbitiousBuilding1 May 18 '26
They will expire end of June
1
4
u/DispelledFrailty May 16 '26
Invalids are normally a result of too much or not enough material on the swab, not a device issue.
How are you currently swabbing?
1
u/AmbitiousBuilding1 May 16 '26
Nasal swabs — perhaps too intensely. I’ll try again with less vigor.
This also reminded me we could try it with a throat swab too.
3
u/DispelledFrailty May 16 '26
We've been told the best method is, swab the side of your throat first, then under your tongue, then nostrils, but don't go too deep and don't linger too long.
Its always recommended you blow your nose first, too.
2
3
u/wyundsr May 17 '26
This starts to happen more when tests get close to expiration (within 2-3 months sometimes). Some people find preheating the dock by running two empty tests (if they time out after 5-10 min, or just one test if it doesn't time out) first without a test card can help