Rapid at-home COVID-19 tests (or rapid antigen tests) have become increasingly popular over the past few months.
These tests can be bought over-the-counter andadministered at home,providing results in 30 minutes or less.
They can also put you at ease before attending any gatherings where you may put other people at risk.
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That said, don’t store for them too long because they have an expiration date.
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When Do Rapid COVID Tests Expire?
Rapid antigen test kits can only be stored for several months up to a year.
We are continuing to learn more about the stability of COVID-19 home tests or rapid antigen test kits.
The shelf life of test kits generally varies among different manufacturers.
For instance, theRapCov Rapid COVID-19 Testcan be stored for eight months.
To ensuretest accuracy, tests should be used within the appropriate time frame," Scuderi said.
How Should You Store Test Kits?
The test kits expiration date is not the only factor that may affect its quality.
The way you store it matters, too.
You should store your test based on the storage instructions on the package, Scuderi said.
Be sure to clearly review temperature and storage recommendations before using a specific test.
Rapid antigen tests arent designed to withstand moisture, extreme humidity, or freezing temperatures.
Tests are not supposed to be refrigerated or frozen.
Both extremely hot temperatures and freeze-thawing can ruin these kits.
Dont use expired tests, otherwise, you risk getting an inaccurate result.
Can You Use an Expired Test?
Using an expired rapid antigen test is ill-advised.
A wrong test is worse than none at all.
Receiving a false result from a diagnostic test can be dangerous.
If you get a false negative, you might infect others as you go about your usual activities.
If you use an expired rapid antigen test, the test results may not be accurate, Scuderi said.
If it is positive, there is a high likelihood you have COVID-19.
Take note that symptomaticor unvaccinatedindividuals who get a negative result are recommended to get tested again.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COVID-19 test basics.
