Does taking ibuprofen affect nucleic acid testing?

Under normal circumstances, "ibuprofen" refers to ibuprofen formulations, such as ibuprofen tablets or ibuprofen capsules. Whether taking ibuprofen formulations affects nucleic acid testing depends on the specific type of test being performed. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Nucleic acid testing for the novel coronavirus detects specific viral RNA sequences. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen acts only on human inflammatory response pathways and does not alter the structure of viral RNA or interfere with the detection process. Therefore, undergoing this type of test after taking ibuprofen generally has no impact, and the results can still accurately reflect whether there is a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

For nucleic acid testing targeting other pathogens—such as influenza virus or bacteria—ibuprofen formulations also do not directly affect the nucleic acids of these pathogens, nor do they interfere with the binding reaction between the testing reagents and pathogen nucleic acids. Thus, taking ibuprofen before such tests usually does not compromise the accuracy of the test results.

When undergoing nucleic acid testing while taking ibuprofen, it is important to inform healthcare providers about medication use in advance, so they can fully assess your health status. If persistent discomfort or abnormal test results occur after testing, prompt medical consultation is advised, and follow-up management should be conducted according to professional guidance.