Explore the nuances of at-home COVID-19 test expiration dates and discover how manufacturers ensure these tests maintain their accuracy over time. Learn about the stability testing process and how expiration dates can be extended to help you make the most of your testing supplies. Relevant links: COVID-19 Testing, Expiration Date.
Debunking the End Date Problem
Experts say at-home tests are becoming more popular as the coronavirus pandemic molds how people live. Still, one concern that plenty of people are reporting is whether or not these tests work in addition to how long they last before expiring.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specified that all at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests include an expiration date on the box or packaging. These dates are set after extensive stability testing, where manufacturers hold on to tests for an intended shelf-life and later verify their precision so they perform as advertised.
Is it worth extending expiration dates?
The shelf-life of an at-home COVID-19 test is a protracted time in which the manufacturer says you should be able to use it safely. An expiration betoken the end of this period and the cutter edge date by which this test is expected to conserve and produce reliable information.
The FDA said at-home COVID-19 tests are usually authorized for four to six months from the date of manufacture, based on stability testing. But then as more data comes in, they can apply for longer FDA authorization of a 12- or 18-month shelf-life. This will make sure that the time investment is warranted, and as we have now created tests which over the run of that time these passing aims don’t start failing.
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It is important to be aware if the expiration date of your at-home OTC COVID-19 test has been pushed back. Please refer to the “Expiration Date” column of the list of authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 diagnostics tests so that you can check if this test has been updated with a new expiration date.
Be aware, however, that if you did not buy your test from the manufacturer itself, your expiration date may change and the company would no longer have to directly notify you of the alteration. Being aware and checking the FDA list every once in a while can keep you safer, help ensure that you maximize the use of your testing supplies, and render more accurate results when it matters most.
