Reading your COVID test results is straightforward, focusing on the appearance of lines on the test card. Here's how to interpret them:
Understanding the Lines
The key to interpreting your COVID-19 test results lies in the presence or absence of lines, typically marked as "C" and "T", on the test card. These lines indicate whether or not the virus was detected in the sample.
Positive Result
- Appearance: According to the reference, a positive result is indicated by two lines appearing on the test card.
- Lines: You will observe a pink-to-purple T Line, and a pink-to-purple C Line. The presence of both lines confirms that SARS-CoV-2 antigens (the virus itself) were detected in the sample.
- Action: A positive result means you are likely infected with COVID-19 and should follow your local health authority guidelines for isolation and treatment.
Negative Result
- Appearance: A negative result is indicated by the presence of only one line on the test card.
- Line: You will only observe a pink-to-purple C Line. This means that SARS-CoV-2 antigens were either not present in your sample, or were present at such a low level they could not be detected by the test.
- Action: A negative result means that you likely do not have COVID-19. However, it's still important to follow public health guidelines and remain vigilant, as a single test may not always be conclusive. Consider retesting based on symptoms or potential exposures.
Invalid Result
- Appearance: An invalid result may occur if no lines appear or if only the T Line appears.
- Reason: This could indicate that the test was not performed correctly, the test kit has expired, or the sample was not collected adequately.
- Action: If the test is invalid, you will need to repeat the test with a new kit following all instructions very carefully.
Summary Table
Here’s a quick summary to help you interpret your results:
| Result | T Line | C Line | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Present (Pink-to-purple) | Present (Pink-to-purple) | SARS-CoV-2 antigens detected. Likely infected. |
| Negative | Absent | Present (Pink-to-purple) | SARS-CoV-2 antigens not detected or very low. |
| Invalid | Absent or Present | Absent | Test invalid, retest with a new kit. |
Key Takeaways
- Color: Lines are typically pink-to-purple.
- "C" Line: The C line indicates that the test was performed correctly. It should always appear.
- "T" Line: The T line, when present with the C line, means a positive result for COVID-19.
- Read Carefully: Always check the instructions specific to your test kit for proper guidance.
By understanding these principles, you can accurately read and interpret your COVID-19 test results.
