A line next to the ‘C’ means the test has worked, as the C stands for ‘control’, but a line next to the ‘T’ (test) indicates a positive Covid-19 reading.
Some people have reported a faint line next to the T, and have taken to social media to share their confusion as to whether or not it means they have tested positive.
Here is all you need to know about what that faint line means.
What does a faint line on a lateral flow test mean?
Whether the faint line on your lateral flow test means you have tested positive for Covid-19 or not is all down to timing.
In December, London-based A&E doctor Nathan Hudson-Peacock shared a picture of a test with a barely noticeable positive line to his 20.4k Instagram followers (@expedition_doctor).
He explained that if this ‘positive’ line appears after the 30-minute window in which testers should wait for a result, then it does not count as a positive test.
Dr Hudson-Peacock suggested that this line may have been caused by very weak contaminants, such as food or drinks, rather than coronavirus.
However, he added if any line appears before the end of the interpretation window – which is usually 30 minutes – then this is a positive test.
NHS England’s official guide for using lateral flow tests also states: ‘Two lines – even faint lines – indicate the test is positive.’
Even with a faint line, you must act in accordance to testing positive. Although you are not legally required to self-isolate in England, the NHS recommends that you stay at home and avoid other people.
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