Does eating plums affect COVID-19 nucleic acid testing?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Generally, eating plums does not affect COVID-19 nucleic acid testing. Maintain oral hygiene before and after the test to avoid food residue. Drink plenty of warm water daily, eat light and easily digestible foods, and reduce intake of spicy or irritating foods. If symptoms such as fever or cough develop while awaiting test results, practice personal protection and avoid going out.
Generally, eating plums does not affect the results of a COVID-19 nucleic acid test. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Nucleic acid testing identifies whether an individual is infected by detecting specific gene sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the sample, offering high specificity. Components found in plums, such as fruit acids and vitamins, do not damage the viral genetic structure, nor do they react with reagents used in the testing process. Furthermore, they cannot mimic viral gene sequences to cause false-positive or false-negative results. Therefore, normal consumption of plums before testing does not compromise result accuracy.
Maintain good oral hygiene before and after testing to avoid food residue. Drink plenty of warm water daily, follow a light and easily digestible diet, and reduce intake of spicy or irritating foods. If symptoms such as fever or cough develop while awaiting test results, practice personal protection and avoid going outdoors. Maintain regular sleep patterns and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen your immune system. Regardless of the test outcome, proper personal health management is essential.
