Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures should be avoided. The tests should be stored in a place where the temperature is above 2° and below 30°. Tests and swabs have a shelf life of two years under these conditions.

Yes. Like a COVID-19 test, the TruDetx™ Bed Bug Rapid Test can detect residues from previous, inactive, 90-day infestations. After 90 days, the residues become less potent and fall below the test threshold. Therefore, we recommend the TruDetx™ Bed Bug Rapid Test as an inspection tool and not as a monitoring tool, especially if the treatment history is not known.

Yes. The TruDetx™ Bed Bug Rapid Test is more than 90% effective in detecting residues of common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus). Bat bugs are related insects and can produce a positive result, as can residues of carpet black beetles (Attagenus unicolor). These parasites are rarely present where bed bugs settle, which is why it is important to limit sampling to the main living areas of bed bugs.

Use the soft end to collect residue by rubbing cotton swabs into sleeping areas where bed bugs hide, such as along the mattress seams on top and below, box spring (potential refuge areas), headboard (angular areas or slots), seams/edges of sofas or lounge chairs (potential refuge areas at the seat. Typically, these are places where people sleep or rest. Be sure to scrub the surfaces well to have the best chance of recovering the residue.

Once you have taken the sample from the surfaces, you can choose to perform the test on site or label your sample and test later.

To start the test, first break the seal of the solution in the swab. Bend the rod until it snaps into place, releasing the liquid to the bottom of the tube.

Then gently shake the tube during to make sure the swab is soaked. Then open the test bag. Do not open the pouch until you are ready to test the sample you have collected. Place the test on a flat surface and remove the white cap at the bottom of the tube.

Then gently squeeze the pear to deposit four drops in the well at the bottom of the test.

The test starts as soon as the four drops of the liquid sample are deposited on the cassette. The reading of the result is done in the first 5 minutes.

Yes.

- If a line corresponds to the mark "C", it means that the test is valid. If no line matches the "T" mark, it means that no bed bug residue was found.

- If there is a line at the level of the mark "C" and a line (even weak) at the level of the mark "T", it means that the test is valid and that residues of bed bugs have been found.

- The absence of lines in the window or the presence of a line at the "T" mark, but nothing at the "C" mark, indicates that the test is not valid.

No, the test is for single use. Nevertheless, before performing the test, it is possible to take the sample in several rooms / areas likely to be infested by bed bugs.