Delayed corona shock: self-test only becomes positive later - this should be noted

Created: 01/21/2022, 16:36

By: Elena Royer

Many people are resorting to self-testing to test themselves for the coronavirus at home.

But what if the test is only positive after the specified waiting period?

Berlin – In order to rule out infection with Corona, many people regularly test themselves for the virus.

If the test cassette is left in place longer than necessary, the shock can sometimes be delayed.

Self-test delayed positive: The shock comes with a delay

For many, the self-test to take at home is now part of everyday life. Almost everyone is now used to it routinely. Stick in, drip liquid onto the cassette and wait. The result is then visible after a few minutes. But what if you leave the test alone and only get a positive test result hours later?

It takes 15 to 30 minutes - this varies from provider to provider - until the result is visible.

If a line develops in the field next to the "C" in the specified time, this means that the test worked and is negative.

A dash next to the "T" means: test invalid.

And dashes next to both windows, "C" and "T", indicate a positive test result.

If this is the case, the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) advises having the positive rapid test result confirmed by a PCR test.

Until the result is available, you should reduce your contacts with other people as much as possible.

Corona test only positive later: this should be noted

However, if the self-test only shows a positive result after the specified waiting period, users should follow the manufacturer's specifications here.

You can also read there: A test result of an antigen rapid test for the Sars-CoV-2 virus is only valid in the time window specified in the instructions for use, the association of the diagnostics industry clarifies on request.

Many providers of rapid tests are members of this association.

If the line next to the "T" appears with a delay, this is not a valid test result, writes the association of the diagnostics industry and advises for such a scenario: do another test, if necessary with a quick test from another manufacturer.

The association emphasizes: "A follow-up test with a PCR test is then only necessary if the rapid test result is valid and positive." So only if a positive result is visible within the specified waiting period.

Self-test positive even with a faint streak?

However, what does not matter for the significance of the result is whether the line next to the "T" is strong or faint.

Because different factors can influence the development of the stripe, no reliable conclusions can be drawn about the viral load from its condition, explains the diagnostics industry association.

So if even a faint line appears next to the "T" within the specified time window, it should be taken seriously.