Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures should be avoided. The tests should be stored in an area where the temperature is above 36° F and below 86° F. The tests and swabs have a two-year shelf life under these conditions.

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

Yes. TruDetx™ Bed Bug Rapid Test is over 90% effective at detecting residues from common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus). Bat bugs are related insects and can produce a positive reading as can residues from black carpet beetles (Attagenus unicolor). These pests are rarely found where bed bugs harbor.

To begin collection, simply open the swab. Use the soft end to collect residue in sleeping areas where bed bugs hide, like headboards, mattress piping and seams, bedside tables, drawers, baseboards and bed legs, and lounge chairs. Typically, where people sleep or rest. Be sure to thoroughly swab surfaces to have the best chance of collecting residue. When finished, return the swab to its holder.

Once you have thoroughly swabbed the surfaces, you can then choose to perform the test on-site, or you can label your sample and run your test later.

To begin the test, remove foil seal from tube. Swirl and soak the swab in liquid for about 15 seconds. Squeeze liquid from the swab tip while removing from the tube.

Next, firmly insert the dropper tip on tube and gently squeeze the bulb to deliver three drops in the well at the bottom of the test.

The test takes five minutes to complete after the drops are placed in the well. After five minutes, the results are visible in the test window and valid for 15 minutes.

Yes.

No, it is a simple solution to disperse the residue evenly across the strip and is not harmful to people or pets.

– If you have one line that is even with the “C” mark, this indicates that the test is valid. If there is no line even with the “T” mark, this indicates that no bed bug residue was found.

– If there is a line even with the “C” mark and there is a line (even a faint one) even with the “T” mark, this means the test is valid and bed bug residue was found.

– No lines in the window or only a line at the “T” mark but nothing at the “C” mark indicates that the test is invalid.

No. This is a single-use test.

No. The test can tell you that residue was found but not the size of an infestation.