When COVID-specific rapid antigen tests were first approved, they hadnt been around long enough for manufacturers to study their long-term shelf life, according to Sanjat Kanjilal, MD, MPH, associate medical director of clinical microbiology at the Brigham & Womens Hospital in Boston and instructor at Harvard University. Because of that, test manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)the agency in charge of approving and monitoring such health deviceserred on the safe side. However, some state health officials have said that at-home tests can be used after their expiration date. Federal regulators have extended some tests expiration dates, meaning certain offerings are now usable for months longer. Another consideration after testing: Report your results tomakemytestcount.org, from the National Institutes of Health, so the U.S. can continue to monitor infection levels. You may have to check the lot number on your package. Taking a rapid test at home is a smart decision for those who suspect they have COVID-19, but if you've only noticed after conducting a test that it has expired, it's time to try an alternative route. Update: The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test shelf life has increased by 3 months. Federal regulators have extended some tests expiration dates, meaning certain kits are now usable for months longer. For instance, say youre trying to look up an iHealth COVID-19 test kit with lot number 222CO20208. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a FREE second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. In some cases, it has approved extensions on the expiration date for a number of brands. The FDA now says that if the box of that specific test has an expiration date of August 2022, you may now safely use it until February 2023. Many are good for between 12 and 20 months; some need to be used within six to eight months. tests currently, up to eight individual tests per month, as part of a federal COVID-19 program. SD Biosensor: Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Test. That doesnt mean that youre in the clear if you dont have any known exposure. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The various parts and pieces that make up the test may degrade or break down over time, the FDA says, and this could cause inaccurate results. SD Biosensor: . CDP . December 22, 2021 Device: iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
