Poison Control is issuing a warning to anyone using at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.
Many rapid antigen tests, including the BinaxNow, BD Veritor, Flowflex, and Celltrion DiaTrust tests, contain the chemical sodium azide.
Extraction vials in COVID-19 tests can look like eye droppers or other small squeeze bottles.
If someone mistakes the vial for medication, it can be dangerous.
Sodium azide can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, headaches and heart palpitations if swallowed.
If it get on skin, it can cause irritation or chemical burns.
If you suspect someone has accidentally swallowed liquid from a COVID-19 test, do not make them vomit.
For eye or skin exposure, rinse with warm tap water for 15 to 20 minutes.
You can call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or call 911 if symptoms are more urgent.
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