Do you have a stockpile of at-home Covid-19 tests that have expired? Don't throw them away yet. Here's how to figure out if they're outdated.
The Food and Drug Administration initially cleared many at-home test kits for a shelf life of four to six months, based on early data from manufacturers.But manufacturers continue to collect more data on how long the tests are viable, often using something called a real-time stability test:
For a product with a proposed 12-month shelf life, for example, a manufacturer will store it for 13 months, and then test its performanceAs manufacturers have continued testing the longevity of at-home Covid-19 kits, they have sent additional data to the FDA.That means your tests might last longer than the date on the box, so don’t throw them away. Instead,Tests including the BinaxNOW, On/Go, Flowflex, and iHealth now have longer shelf lives than some of their labels indicate.
The FDA doesn’t recommend using expired tests, since parts of the tests can degrade over time, potentially leading to inaccurate resultsThe test itself can also help you determine whether it’s still working, experts said. Make sure the control line is clearly visible and in the right location when taking the tests and that there’s a normal volume of liquid in the dropperIf the test is exposed to hot or cold weather, store it at room temperature for at least two hours before using it, the FDA says. Avoid exposing the tests to heat for a long period of time.
If the result is unexpected, consider taking a second rapid test after a day or so or a more sensitive PCR test right away
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ted Lasso stars didn't think anyone would really use Apple TV PlusBrett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham didn't know how to get Apple TV+, and they didn't think anyone else would either
Read more »
Political campaigns have more data on you than you might thinkTechnology and social media have increased digital footprints, meaning campaigns can learn a lot about a person before they even contact them.
Read more »
‘I think schools need to step up’: Students discuss school safetyWhen it comes to school safety there’s a lot of blame and opinions. Politicians point the finger and parents want to be heard. But what about what students think needs to be done?
Read more »
A once-reluctant Utahn could be the big winner on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’“It has been the most fun I have ever had,” Orem native Alexis Warr Burton said. “It’s flown by way too fast. Honestly, every single part of it is so fun to me.”
Read more »
Those 'Handcrafted by' Signatures on Expensive Engines Don't Mean What You ThinkThose 'handcrafted by' signatures on expensive engines don't mean what you think.
Read more »
Blackpink's Album, 'Born Pink,' Will Be Out Sooner Than You ThinkThe release of “Pink Venom” will kick off BLACKPINK’s comeback in earnest.
Read more »