Can I still use an expired COVID-19 test?
We’ve all done it: finished off a gallon of milk or loaf of bread after its expiration date. Waste not, want not, right?
Perhaps you’re even guilty of consuming medication or applying a beauty product that’s long past its prime.
But can you bend the rules when it comes to diagnostic COVID-19 testing?
It depends.
How can I tell if my COVID test has expired?
It’s hard to keep up with the world of coronavirus testing. As of Jan. 14, the FDA had authorized 420 tests and sample collection devices for emergency use, and issued 763 revisions to these authorizations. However, just 16 are athome, OTC tests.
The simplest way to check if your test is valid is to look for the expiration date on the packaging. Some tests, such as Siemens’ CLINITEST, feature the date on both the box and test pouches.
What’s the difference between PCR and rapid COVID tests?
Rapid tests, which usually give a result within 10-20 minutes, also are called antigen tests, meaning they detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
Molecular tests, often referred to as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, identify the virus’ genetic material. They may involve at-home sample collection, but must be processed by a certified clinical laboratory. It may take several days to get a result.
The FDA had granted emergency use authorization to 13 at-home, OTC antigen tests and three such molecular tests as of Jan. 14.
What should I do if my COVID test has expired?
If your test kit has expired and the instructions say not to use it, reach out to the manufacturer directly to inquire whether a shelf-life extension has been granted. A notice may be posted on the company website. Some manufacturers, such as Ellume, have customer service hotlines and emails dedicated to testing concerns.
Lastly, consult FDA databases for the most comprehensive information:
● Visit fda.gov/medical-devices
● Within the blue box labeled “Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Medical Devices,” click “Learn More”
● Click “Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for Medical Devices During COVID-19”
● Scroll down and click “In Vitro diagnostics EUAs”
● Depending which type of test you have, scroll down and click either:
● “Individual EUAs for Molecular Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2”
● “Individual EUAs for Antigen Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2”
At the bottom of each page is a searchable table. Once you locate your test, click the blue plus-sign at left to view associated documents. Any revisions made to the test’s emergency use authorization will appear here.