False positive reaction in RDT tests
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Cross-reactive antibodies
Cross-reactive antibodies may cause a "false positive" result by forming an immune complex with labelled test antibodies and the detection line that causes a band to appear in the test area.
These cross-reactive antibodies arise following other infection (usually tropical organisms), but may also be polyreactive antibodies found in individuals in the general population, particularly rheumatoid factor (RF) or human anti-mouse (HAMA). The frequency with which such reactions occur depends considerably on the test manufacturer.