Do at-Home COVID-19 Tests Really Expire?
While many respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, RSV, and influenza, circulate year-round in California, they are typically more active between October and March, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Do at-Home COVID-19 Tests Really Expire?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, all at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests come with an expiration date printed on the box or packaging. Such self-administered tests shouldn’t typically be used past this date, the FDA said in a September FAQ about at-home tests.
Can Expiration Dates be Extended for Coronavirus Tests?
Stability testing determines how long a test maintains its expected performance. The manufacturer stores the test for the proposed shelf-life, plus some additional time to ensure reliability, and then reassesses its accuracy, according to the FDA. The FDA typically authorizes at-home COVID-19 tests with a shelf-life of about four to six months from the day the test was manufactured, based on initial study results, and it may be extended later as additional data is collected.
Can I Use an At-Home COVID-19 Test Past its Expiration Date?
If the expiration date of your at-home OTC COVID-19 test has been extended, check the "Expiration Date" column of the list of authorized at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests, the FDA said. However, these expiration dates can be extended as additional stability data becomes available.
How Can I Tell if My At-Home COVID-19 Test is Still Good?
How Can I Get Free At-Home COVID Tests?
Californians can request free COVID-19 at-home tests online. The online portal reopened in late September. Households can order up to four COVID-19 tests, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver the coronavirus testing supplies directly to people’s homes at no cost.
Conclusion
Using an at-home COVID-19 test past its expiration date is not recommended. However, expiration dates can be extended as additional stability data becomes available. It’s essential to check the expiration date of your test and ensure it’s still good. If you’re a Californian, you can request free COVID-19 at-home tests online.
FAQs
Q: Can I use an at-home COVID-19 test past its expiration date?
A: No, using an at-home COVID-19 test past its expiration date is not recommended.
Q: Can expiration dates be extended for coronavirus tests?
A: Yes, expiration dates can be extended as additional stability data becomes available.
Q: How can I tell if my at-home COVID-19 test is still good?
A: Check the "Expiration Date" column of the list of authorized at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests or contact the manufacturer.
Q: How can I get free at-home COVID tests?
A: Californians can request free COVID-19 at-home tests online. The online portal reopened in late September.
