A positive test result shows a line at both the control (C) marker and the test (T) marker.
Understanding a Positive Test Result
When using a COVID-19 rapid test, the appearance of lines indicates the test result. Here is a breakdown:
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Positive Result:
- A line appears at the 'C' (Control) marker, indicating the test is working correctly.
- A line also appears at the 'T' (Test) marker, even if it is faint.
- This indicates that COVID-19 antigens have been detected, and you likely have COVID-19.
| Marker | Line Present | Meaning |
| :----- | :----------: | :--------------------------------------------- |
| C | Yes | Test is working properly |
| T | Yes | COVID-19 antigens have been detected |
Interpretation
- Faint Lines Still Matter: A faint line at the 'T' marker is still considered a positive result. The intensity of the line does not necessarily indicate the severity of the infection.
- Next Steps: If you have a positive test, it is important to follow public health guidelines, such as isolating and contacting your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Summary
To summarize, a positive test for COVID-19, according to the provided reference, is indicated by two lines: one at the control marker (C) and another at the test marker (T). Both lines can be bright or faint. This signifies that COVID-19 antigens were detected in the test sample.
