Many people rely on lateral flow tests to help determine whether or not they have coronavirus.
While free tests were scrapped last week for the majority of people, the method of testing is still the cheapest and most convenient way to check yourself. Single tests are priced below £2 at most major pharmacies.
The specially designed test uses litmus paper and solution to highlight that the test has worked successfully with one line. A second red line will show if the virus is present in your saliva, but sometimes it can appear very faint.
READ MORE: Covid tests: How much lateral flow tests are at Boots, Lloyds, Tesco and Superdrug
This may leave some people confused as to whether or not they actually have the virus. Especially as around one in three people with the virus don’t show symptoms, so it can spread to others without knowing.
According to the Gov.uk website, lateral flow tests can be less sensitive when a person has lower levels of the virus in their system. The Government guidance states that “… even faint lines, shows the test is positive”.
It adds: “Result lines may appear smudged or faint, but they are still valid results and must be reported.” So while you're seeing a faint second line, it is likely you are positive and currently infected with coronavirus.
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