Control line: Difference between revisions

Control Line
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	'
Specialty	Laboratory Medicine
Synonyms
Pronunciation	Phonetic spelling or audio file
Definition	Definition of the medical term
Causes	Common causes or associated conditions
Diagnosis	Methods for identifying the term in clinical practice
Treatment	Treatment or management options
Related terms	Other related medical terms
Website	[ More information]

Latest revision as of 15:25, 9 December 2024

File:Strega7a.jpg

A control line is a critical component in various diagnostic tests, particularly in lateral flow assays (LFAs), which are commonly used for rapid testing in medical diagnostics. The control line serves as an internal check to ensure that the test is functioning correctly.

Function[edit]

In a typical lateral flow test, such as a pregnancy test or a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, the control line appears on the test strip to confirm that the test has been performed correctly. It indicates that the sample has flowed through the test strip as intended and that the reagents are working properly.

The control line is usually located downstream of the test line, which is the line that indicates the presence or absence of the target analyte. The appearance of the control line is independent of the test result; it should appear whether the test result is positive or negative.

Mechanism[edit]

The control line typically contains antibodies or antigens that bind to a labeled conjugate present in the sample pad. When the sample is applied, it migrates along the strip by capillary action. As the sample passes over the control line, the labeled conjugate binds to the immobilized antibodies or antigens, resulting in a visible line.

The presence of the control line confirms that the sample has migrated properly and that the reagents are active. If the control line does not appear, the test is considered invalid, and the results cannot be interpreted.

Importance[edit]

The control line is essential for the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic tests. It provides a built-in quality control measure that helps prevent false negatives or false positives due to test malfunction. Without a visible control line, the test results are not trustworthy, and the test should be repeated with a new device.

Applications[edit]

Control lines are used in a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

Pregnancy tests
Infectious disease tests (e.g., HIV, COVID-19)
Drug tests
Allergy tests

Also see[edit]

Template:Medical diagnostics

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-[[file:strega7a.jpg|thumb|strega7a]] [[file:faispeed_2004wc.jpg|thumb|faispeed 2004wc|left]] [[file:zealot_inflight_big.jpg|thumb|zealot inflight big]] [[file:ringmaster_goldenstate.jpg|thumb|ringmaster goldenstate|left]] [[file:tr_pitstop_muncie.jpg|thumb|tr pitstop muncie]] [[file:CL_Combat.jpg|thumb|CL Combat]] '''Control line''' is a method of [[aeromodeling]] where the model aircraft is connected to the operator by a pair of lines. These lines control the aircraft's elevator, allowing the operator to maneuver the aircraft by changing its pitch. Control line flying is a popular form of model aviation and is often seen in competitions and exhibitions.
+[[File:strega7a.jpg|thumb]] [[File:National Park (Ulaanbaatar) - Aero Model Sports Area.jpg|thumb]] [[File:faispeed 2004wc.jpg|thumb]] [[File:zealot inflight big.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox medical term
+| name = Control Line
+| image = <!-- No image -->
+| caption = <!-- No image -->
+| synonyms = <!-- No synonyms -->
+| specialty = [[Laboratory Medicine]]
+| uses = [[Diagnostic Testing]]
+}}
-==History==
+A '''control line''' is a critical component in various diagnostic tests, particularly in [[lateral flow assays]] (LFAs), which are commonly used for rapid testing in medical diagnostics. The control line serves as an internal check to ensure that the test is functioning correctly.
-Control line flying dates back to the early 20th century. The first recorded instance of control line flying was in the 1930s. The method gained popularity after [[World War II]] when model aircraft technology advanced significantly.
-==Mechanics==
+==Function==
-In control line flying, the model aircraft is tethered to the operator by two lines, typically made of steel or braided wire. These lines are attached to a handle held by the operator. By moving the handle, the operator can control the aircraft's elevator, which in turn changes the aircraft's pitch. This allows for a variety of maneuvers, including loops, dives, and level flight.
+In a typical lateral flow test, such as a [[pregnancy test]] or a [[COVID-19 rapid antigen test]], the control line appears on the test strip to confirm that the test has been performed correctly. It indicates that the sample has flowed through the test strip as intended and that the reagents are working properly.
-==Types of Control Line Models==
+The control line is usually located downstream of the test line, which is the line that indicates the presence or absence of the target analyte. The appearance of the control line is independent of the test result; it should appear whether the test result is positive or negative.
-There are several types of control line models, each designed for different purposes:
-* [[Stunt]] models: Designed for performing aerobatic maneuvers.
-* [[Combat]] models: Used in competitive events where pilots attempt to cut their opponent's streamers.
-* [[Racing]] models: Built for speed and used in racing competitions.
-* [[Scale]] models: Replicas of real aircraft, often judged on their appearance and realism.
-==Competitions==
+==Mechanism==
-Control line flying is a competitive sport with various events and categories. Some of the most popular competitions include:
+The control line typically contains antibodies or antigens that bind to a labeled conjugate present in the sample pad. When the sample is applied, it migrates along the strip by capillary action. As the sample passes over the control line, the labeled conjugate binds to the immobilized antibodies or antigens, resulting in a visible line.
-* [[F2A Speed]]: Focuses on achieving the highest speed.
-* [[F2B Aerobatics]]: Involves performing a series of prescribed maneuvers.
-* [[F2C Team Racing]]: Teams compete to complete a set number of laps in the shortest time.
-* [[F2D Combat]]: Pilots attempt to cut their opponent's streamer while avoiding their own being cut.
-==Safety==
+The presence of the control line confirms that the sample has migrated properly and that the reagents are active. If the control line does not appear, the test is considered invalid, and the results cannot be interpreted.
-Safety is a crucial aspect of control line flying. Operators must ensure that the flying area is clear of obstacles and spectators. Proper maintenance of the control lines and the aircraft is essential to prevent accidents.
-==Related Pages==
+==Importance==
-* [[Model aircraft]]
+The control line is essential for the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic tests. It provides a built-in quality control measure that helps prevent false negatives or false positives due to test malfunction. Without a visible control line, the test results are not trustworthy, and the test should be repeated with a new device.
-* [[Aeromodeling]]
-* [[Radio-controlled aircraft]]
-* [[Free flight (model aircraft)]]
-* [[Aerobatics]]
-==See Also==
+==Applications==
-* [[Model aviation]]
+Control lines are used in a variety of diagnostic tests, including:
-* [[Aircraft control surfaces]]
-* [[Flight dynamics]]
-{{Aviation}}
+* [[Pregnancy tests]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+* [[Infectious disease tests]] (e.g., [[HIV]], [[COVID-19]])
+* [[Drug tests]]
+* [[Allergy tests]]
-[[Category:Aeromodeling]]
+==Also see==
-[[Category:Model aircraft]]
+* [[Lateral flow test]]
-[[Category:Aviation]]
+* [[Diagnostic test]]
+* [[Quality control]]
+* [[False positive]]
+* [[False negative]]
+{{Medical diagnostics}}
+[[Category:Medical diagnostics]]
+[[Category:Laboratory techniques]]
+[[Category:Quality control]]