快篩試劑c t意思

"CT" in the context of COVID-19 testing, specifically referring to rapid antigen tests or rapid tests, stands for "cycle threshold." This term is used in quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) tests, which are a type of molecular test used to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

In a qRT-PCR test, the cycle threshold (CT) value is the number of cycles it takes for the virus's genetic material (RNA) to be amplified to a detectable level. A lower CT value indicates a higher viral load, meaning there is a higher concentration of the virus present in the sample. Conversely, a higher CT value indicates a lower viral load.

The CT value is important because it can help determine the infectiousness of an individual. Generally, individuals with a low CT value are considered more infectious because they have a higher viral load, and thus, are more likely to transmit the virus to others.

In the context of rapid antigen tests, the CT value might not be directly applicable, as rapid antigen tests do not use PCR and do not provide a CT value. However, rapid antigen tests can still be used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in a sample, which can indicate whether an individual is currently infected with the virus.