As respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza are more active in California between October and March, questions may arise about the use of at-home COVID-19 tests past their expiration date. According to the FDA, at-home COVID-19 tests have an expiration date printed on the packaging and should not typically be used past this date. However, manufacturers can extend expiration dates as additional stability data becomes available. The shelf life of a test refers to the period during which it should perform as expected, while the expiration date marks the latest date by which the test is expected to provide accurate results.
Stability testing determines how long a test maintains its expected performance, with manufacturers reassessing accuracy after storing the test for the proposed shelf-life plus additional time. The FDA typically authorizes at-home COVID-19 tests with a shelf-life of four to six months, which may be extended as more stability data is collected. If expiration dates are extended, manufacturers can update them and notify customers, though those who did not buy directly from the manufacturer may not receive such notices.
Californians can request free COVID-19 at-home tests online, with the option to order up to four tests per household. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver testing supplies at no cost. The FDA advises checking the authorized list of at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests to see if the expiration date of a test has been extended. It’s important to stay informed about expiration dates and testing opportunities to ensure accurate and accessible COVID-19 testing for all.
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