Reading PH level correctly

[JibJab]

This is kind of a 'stupid' question. I have the TF-100 test kit, and have been doing my own testing for a few years now. I just recently discovered when using the R-0014 Red for reading PH on the color scale, my result will vary wildly depending on how long I shake the plastic reader.

2-3 seconds, and my PH will appear to be 7.8. 30-40 seconds, and it will read 7.2.

I searched the instructions and google for the "correct" amount of time to shake, but came up empty. Thoughts?

 

[cowboycasey]

I use the 2 to 5 seconds and read.. waiting 30 to 45 seconds is to long..

 

[Sunnydaze]

The taylor instructions say to invert to mix but not shake. I invert a couple times and read results immediately.