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Infection and ResponseHighermonoclonal antibodiesdiagnostic testinginterpreting results

AQA GCSE · Question 04.8 · Infection and Response

Figure 6ABCDBlue dyeKey

Figure 6 shows the urine test results of four athletes. Describe the evidence in Figure 6 that shows the test for athlete B has not worked. Suggest one reason why the test did not work.

How to approach this question

1. **Evidence:** Look at the test strip for athlete B. Compare it to the others. What is missing that indicates the test is invalid? Refer to the purpose of the control line from the previous question. 2. **Reason:** Think of practical reasons why a test like this might fail. What could have gone wrong with the procedure or the equipment?

Full Answer

**Evidence:** The test for athlete B is invalid because the control line (the top line) has not turned blue. A blue control line must appear for any test to be considered valid, as it confirms the test strip is working and the sample has flowed correctly up the strip. Since it is missing for athlete B, the result cannot be trusted. **Reason:** A possible reason for the test failing is that an insufficient amount of urine was added to the test strip. If there wasn't enough liquid, it would not have been able to flow all the way up to the control area to activate it. Another possibility is that the test strip itself was faulty.

Common mistakes

✗ For the evidence, saying "there are no lines" - you must be specific and mention the *control* line. ✗ For the reason, giving a biological reason like "the athlete didn't take steroids" - this would give a negative result (like athlete D), not an invalid one.

Practice the full AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier Paper 1

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