Is one line on an antigen test normal?
Whether a single line in an antigen test is normal depends on the specific circumstances. If the line appears in the C region, it is generally considered normal; if it appears in the T region, it is usually abnormal. Details are as follows:
1. Normal
If you suspect infection with a pathogen, you can purchase the appropriate antigen test kit from a licensed pharmacy or hospital. Antigen test kits typically have two display regions: the C region (control region) and the T region (test region). If a line appears only in the C region, the result is negative, indicating no infection with the relevant pathogen and suggesting good health.
2. Abnormal
If a line appears only in the T region, the test is usually invalid. This may be due to improper operation or an expired or faulty test kit. It is recommended to repeat the test using a new antigen test kit. If two lines appear in the repeated test, the result is typically positive, indicating possible infection with the corresponding pathogen.
However, antigen tests are not 100% accurate. If the result is positive, it is important to seek medical attention promptly at departments such as infectious diseases or respiratory medicine in a reputable hospital, and confirmatory testing via nucleic acid testing (PCR) is recommended.