How long should you wait for a reading when the strip is placed under the tongue?

How long should you wait for a reading when the strip is placed under the tongue?

• A. 60 seconds
• B. 3 minutes
• C. 60 minutes
• D. 30 seconds

Answer: (A)

Timing matters because the color change on a sublingual test strip needs a fixed development period to become stable and readable. Waiting about 60 seconds after placing the strip under the tongue allows the reagents to react fully, giving a reliable color that matches the analyte level. Reading too soon (like 30 seconds) may show an incomplete color, leading to an inaccurate result. Waiting too long (minutes or more, such as 3 minutes or 60 minutes) can cause the color to drift or fade, reducing accuracy. Therefore, the best reading time is 60 seconds, as specified by typical test instructions. Always follow the kit’s exact timing and use the provided color chart within that window.

Timing matters because the color change on a sublingual test strip needs a fixed development period to become stable and readable. Waiting about 60 seconds after placing the strip under the tongue allows the reagents to react fully, giving a reliable color that matches the analyte level. Reading too soon (like 30 seconds) may show an incomplete color, leading to an inaccurate result. Waiting too long (minutes or more, such as 3 minutes or 60 minutes) can cause the color to drift or fade, reducing accuracy. Therefore, the best reading time is 60 seconds, as specified by typical test instructions. Always follow the kit’s exact timing and use the provided color chart within that window.