Check your Covid test

Dear Editor,

Officials are warning everyone – don’t be alarmed if the tests you receive look like they’re expired.

Is YOUR covid-19 test expired?

How to check:  on the back or side of the box, you’ll see what looks like an hour glass (or an old-fashioned egg timer).

Next to it is the expiration date. It is listed by YEAR MONTH DAY.

Don’t throw it away. Please read on.

A list of FDA-authorized covid-19 test extended expiration dates can be found on their website:

fda.gov/covidtestdates 

(or call 1-800-232-0233 for assistance).

You will arrive at a page titled: At-home OTC (which means over-the-counter) COVID 19 Diagnostic tests FDA.

Keep scrolling down that page to find YOUR tests listed (in alphabetical order) by the name of the manufacturer. 

You’ll see a picture of the front of the box. (Click on the box’s picture to enlarge it.) Compare it to YOURS. 

IMPORTANT: Double check the test name because some manufacturers made more than 1 test.

Click on Extended Expiration Date (2nd of 5 columns)

Up comes a chart of numbers.

1. I found it MUCH EASIER to start at the 2nd or middle column – Tests with this printed expiration date

2. Look for YOUR test expiration date, listed by YEAR MONTH DAY.

3. Go to the 1st or far left column to find the LOT number on the back or side of YOUR covid test box.

4. The 3rd or far right column – Now have this extended expiration date – shows YOUR new date (by YEAR MONTH DAY).

5. Using a pen or marker, write that extended expiration date on YOUR test box (in case you may need it in the future).

Once YOUR covid test is past the extended expiration date, it is NOT recommended for use because it could give inaccurate results.

I hope the above has been helpful.

Eileen Z. Fitzsimons

Dodgeville, WI