COVID-19 Test Expiration Dates: What You Need to Know in 2025
Check kit’s lot details online to avoid false negatives and ensure accurate screening.
With COVID-19 at-home test kits now a common staple in households across America, many people wonder about the shelf life and reliability of these tests, especially as kits stashed away in drawers approach or pass their printed expiration dates. Amid evolving recommendations and FDA updates, it’s crucial to understand how expiration dates work, how to verify if your kit is still valid, and what to do when it’s not. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for 2025, with actionable answers to frequently asked questions and clear instructions for safe and effective test usage.
Why Do COVID-19 Tests Have Expiration Dates?
The expiration date on a COVID-19 at-home test kit represents the latest date the manufacturer can guarantee the test will provide results as accurate and reliable as it did when first produced. Every kit component—particularly the reagents and viral protein-capturing agents—is chemically sensitive, so its effectiveness degrades over time. Expiration dates are set following stability studies conducted by manufacturers, who monitor performance for periods ranging from months to years. When a kit’s reagents reach their shelf life limit, its risk of giving invalid or false negative results increases, undermining clinical reliability.
- Antigen tests: Detect specific viral proteins via chemical reagents sensitive to breakdown.
- Molecular tests: Assess viral genetic material, with similarly time-sensitive ingredients.
- Kits must be stored at recommended temperatures per manufacturer guidance.
Just as food and medicine carry expiration dates, COVID-19 tests’ shelf life ensures users get accurate results when following instructions—provided kits are in-date and correctly stored.
How Are Expiration Dates Determined?
Expiration dates on COVID-19 tests come from laboratory studies conducted by the test’s manufacturer and reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These studies measure how long the test’s critical elements, such as reagents, buffers, and membranes, remain effective. As the pandemic pressed for rapid deployment, initial stability testing was often brief, resulting in conservative expiration dates on many boxes.
- Manufacturers track kit stability by lot number, which is printed on every box alongside its expiration date.
- Tests undergo ongoing studies after release, allowing manufacturers to collect data on long-term reliability.
- FDA reviews new data, periodically extending expiration dates for kits that demonstrate continued efficacy.
This means your test box might display a date shorter than the real shelf life if newer evidence supports its continued accuracy.
Can COVID-19 Test Expiration Dates Be Extended?
Yes. As manufacturers accumulate post-market stability data, the FDA can—and frequently does—extend expiration dates on many at-home COVID-19 test kits. This process relies on ongoing testing of old kit lots to prove that reagents work just as well beyond the original printed expiration date. FDA maintains a comprehensive list of kits with extended use dates, searchable by brand and lot number, on its official site.
- Extended expiration dates are not always updated on the box or packaging—users must check lot numbers online.
- Not all brands or lots qualify for extensions; some kits remain expired until proven otherwise.
- Common brands granted extensions include OSANG, iHealth, and more—as listed by the FDA and state health departments.
What others are reading
| Brand | Initial Shelf Life | Extended Shelf Life | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test | 15-18 months | Dependent on lot number, up to 20 months (for 3-in-1 test) | Check lot number against online FDA/iHealth databases |
| OSANG OHC Antigen Self Test | Originally 12 months | Now up to 24 months | Refer to FDA extension page |
How to Check If Your COVID-19 Test Is Expired
- Locate the expiration date: Printed on the outside of the box, often near an hourglass image or labeled “Expiration” or “Use By”.
- Find the lot number: Usually adjacent to the expiration date, formatted as letters and numbers.
- Look up the lot number: Visit the FDA or manufacturer’s online database to confirm if your kit’s expiration date has been extended. Most state health departments also publish searchable lists.
If the official database confirms your lot’s extension, use the new date and ignore the original box date. If your lot isn’t listed, treat the kit as expired and obtain a new test.
What Happens If You Use an Expired COVID-19 Test?
Using a test past its verified shelf life is not recommended. Chemical degradation can produce inaccurate results, mostly false negatives—meaning an infected person could test negative and continue spreading the virus. With accuracy uncertain, expired kits should be discarded appropriately.
- If the FDA or your test’s manufacturer hasn’t specifically extended your lot number’s expiration, dispose of the kit.
- Expired tests generally go into regular household trash; double-bag if your local guidelines recommend.
It’s safer to test with a kit that’s in-date, proven by the latest stability data.
Proper Storage of At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Test accuracy depends not only on expiration date but proper storage. Manufacturers specify temperature ranges—generally staying between 36°F to 86°F (2°C to 30°C)—to maintain reagent stability. Storage outside these limits, especially for prolonged periods, can shorten shelf life or degrade kit reliability.
- Store kits in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Do not use kits exposed to freezing or high-heat conditions for extended periods.
- Follow specific storage instructions provided in each kit’s user guide.
Where to Get New COVID-19 Test Kits in 2025
With expiration dates and usage guidelines evolving, you may need to replace old kits regularly. Fortunately, obtaining new COVID-19 tests is easier than ever:
- Most pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers carry FDA-authorized tests over the counter, priced from $8–30.
- The U.S. government continues to offer free kits via USPS distribution, with households eligible for up to four kits periodically.
- Community health clinics and local public health departments remain key sources for subsidized or free tests.
Always check for FDA authorization and printed expiration or extended shelf life before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all expired COVID-19 tests unreliable?
A: Not always. Many kits have had their expiration dates extended after further stability studies. Check your kit’s lot number online via FDA or manufacturer resources before discarding. If not extended, treat as expired and get a new test.
Q: How can I find the extended expiration date for my COVID-19 test?
A: Locate the kit’s lot number, then visit FDA’s official expiration extension listings or the manufacturer’s website. Compare your lot number with records to determine your kit’s current status.
Q: What risks exist if I use an expired test kit?
A: The greatest risk is a false negative result. Test reagents lose their ability to detect the virus accurately, making expired tests unreliable for detecting current infection.
Q: Does storage condition affect kit expiration?
A: Yes. Storing tests outside recommended temperature ranges may shorten effective shelf life or invalidate newly-extended expiration dates.
Q: Where can I get a replacement COVID-19 test?
A: Replacement kits are available at most retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and official online distributors. Public health agencies and government programs frequently offer free or subsidized options.
Expert Tips for Safe and Effective COVID Testing at Home
- Always check your test’s lot number and expiration status before using.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions for sample collection and timing.
- After a negative result, repeat testing in 48 hours if symptoms persist as per CDC guidance.
- Discard expired tests responsibly; do not use for screening or diagnosis.
- Contact local health clinics for access to reliable, up-to-date kits.
Summary Table: COVID-19 Test Expiration Date Verification Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Find Expiration Date | Printed on test box near hourglass or “Use By” label |
| 2 | Get Lot Number | Series of letters & numbers typically beside expiration date |
| 3 | Check Online Listing | FDA or manufacturer’s expiration extension database |
| 4 | Verify New Date | Match your kit’s lot number to see extended date |
| 5 | Follow Guidance | Use only kits with valid extended expiration date |
Conclusion: Keeping Your COVID-19 Tests Safe and Up-to-Date
COVID-19 at-home tests remain a vital part of public health strategy. Understanding expiration dates, verifying possible extensions, and proper kit disposal is essential for reliable screening and protection. Always stay informed by consulting the FDA, manufacturer databases, and your local health agencies to ensure the tests you use are effective and trustworthy throughout 2025.
References
- https://www.rochesterregional.org/hub/expired-covid-tests
- https://ihealthlabs.com/blogs/news/expiration-date-info
- https://health.osu.edu/health/virus-and-infection/covid-home-tests-expiration-date-extension
- https://www.schoolhealthny.com/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&PageID=1&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&FlexDataID=8720
- https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/NewDate
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests
- https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/diagnostics-testing/BinaxNOW-expiration-dates-and-facing-the-Kraken.html
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/us/en/lp/binaxnow-self-test/covid-19-antigen.html
- https://inteliswab.com/expiration-extension/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
