How long must you wait before reading the RCP chlorine strip after removal from the water?

The correct waiting time to read the RCP chlorine strip after removal from the water is 20 seconds. This allows the strip to properly develop and reflect the accurate chlorine concentration in the water sample. If the strip is read too soon, the result may not accurately represent the chlorine level, as the chemical reaction may not have completed. Allowing the strip the full 20 seconds ensures that the color change is stable and can be reliably compared to the color chart provided with the test strips, leading to an accurate assessment. This careful adherence to the waiting time is crucial for maintaining safety and proper hygiene standards in patient care settings where water quality is important.