invalid covid test

[0910lau]

did a covid test and it had 2 lines at the top for the first ten minute then went to 1 line at the top one line at positive then after about 40 minutes the whole thing just smudged and became purple all over and was basicallt unreadable. been in contact with 2 people who tested positive in the past week and have about 3/4 symptoms. anyone know whether that should be taken as positive or invalid?

It sounds like it might have been positive. But if you're unsure you should probably do another one. Best to check it after 15 minutes and then bin it. (If it's the same type we have)

With LFTs, a positive can be read at any time, so if a test is positive and then changes, it’s a positive. I would get a PCR today.

If you have symptoms it should be a pcr not lft

Could You have accidentally contaminated it?

If you're a close contact and also have symptoms I would go straight for a PCR tbh. You'll get a more reliable result.
Really hope you feel better soon.

Sounds positive. Don't bother looking at it after the time has elapsed. Maybe get a PCR now as it can take a while if it's postal