Lateral flow faint line

[GrapefruitGin]

Firstly happy new year all.
I regularly test for work, every 2-3 days. Recently I have had a couple of occasions where I’ve noticed a very faint second line. The first time I noticed this I isolated, called in sick to work and waited for pcr. It came back negative thankfully but since then, I’ve had another two very faint lines when testing. When I’ve taken another test to be sure, there’s no second line visible so I’m confused. To be clear, I’ve had no symptoms what so ever nor have I been a contact of someone who has tested positive. I’ve tried researching online why this could be happening. I’ve ordered another pcr to be sure. Has this happened to anyone else? Am I doing something wrong? Surely it’s pretty impossible to get wrong! To add, I don’t leave the test longer than 30 mins, I always set a timer so I know that’s not the issue. Going mad here! TIA

What sort of test is it?

The flowflex(?) blue box nasal only swabs

There was a thread on here about someone constantly getting positive results on Flowflex but negative PCRs - seemed to be quite common going by comments on the thread.

There's been a few threads about false positives on them. Are they not supposed be read at between 15 and 30 minutes?

@JacquelineCarlyle really? I did a quick search on here but couldn’t find anything! Any chance you have a link to it?

Sorry no as I didn't post on it, but it was definitely there and a lot of people had a similar experience.

I've just found it but don't know how to link on my phone - it's from Christmas Day and the Op was Naem.

I just searched on flowflex and it was the first thread that came up.

Thanks for your replies! If I take a day or two off work every time to isolate until pcr comes back, I’m losing quite a bit of money. I’ve never had a strong second line. Very strange, want to be responsible but also can’t keep taking time off work.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4416199-to-want-the-nhs-or-flowflex-to-research-why-all-my-lfts-are-positive here's one

Thank you, found the posts. Very helpful.

I had several very faint lines on the flowflex, from about a week after getting my booster (not sure if related or not!). Had 2 negative PCRs in that period, never had symptoms or a stronger line.

This is the same for me. Had my booster 2 wks ago and ever since I keep getting the faintest of a line. Currently awaiting pcr result. It’s totally messed up my new year as isolating until result comes in

Also using flowflex btw

I had a feint positive, although I did look a little after the time limit. It was a pink line though, not a grey indent line. Pcr was negative. I did test a clear positive a week later though. I had the booster a week or so before, but I don't think that can affect it.

I keep getting these and negative pcr

And another one

I always get a faint line on the flowflex. Not sure why though. Always read in time and always a negative PCR.

I got a positive on a flow flex for the first time on Wednesday and had a positive pcr yesterday. Mine wasn't faint though it was glowing lol

I unfortunately had a rather strong line this morning so once again called in sick and did a pcr test, now in isolation until results. I’m half tempted to give up testing after this, it’s causing so much stress and I feel I’m wasting nhs resources by going through so many tests. Strange to see so many of us experiencing the same thing.

For those who always see a faint second line, are you doing pcrs each time and/or isolating? No judgement here I’m just not sure I can continue taking them with the risk of constantly isolating.

@GrapefruitGin I was at first think I had 3 PCRs but now I don't. If the line got stronger I would though. I'd be interested to know why so many people get faint lines and only on the flowflex. I'm receiving different tests now so not having the issue at the moment.

Pleased I have (eventually) found this thread.

Since having Covid at the end of August every LFT I have taken has been positive. All negative PCRs and no symptoms. It's very frustrating.

I've had consistently positive LFTs since 25th Dec and two negative PCRs. Have had symptoms and felt Ill until yesterday. Suddenly feeling so much better it's like a fog has lifted. LFT today still positive but very much fainter than previous days.

Pics of 2 tests from last week and last pic is of todays test.

I have been testing a faint positive on LFTs since August. No symptoms. Never knowingly been a close contact. Have used three brands. Can't remember the name of the first one but have also had Flowflex and Orient Gene. PCRs always negative.

Has stopped me going to three family events over the Christmas period alone.

Mental health shot and have decided to just not go anywhere nor make any plans because of the disappointment caused.

I had a faint positive lateral flow in October with a cold and pre omicron (no key symptoms) which was negative pcr and no further positive tests or illness
Last week had similar faint line with symptoms which turned out positive pcr and seems to be omicron
In October loads of posters were getting false positive ltfs particularly flow flex but now it seems a faint line = positive pcr most of the time