Are Expired COVID Tests Still Accurate?

You are feeling all the classic signs of COVID-19—achy, coughing, sniffling, exhaustion, and a slight fever. You reach for one of your at-home COVID tests that you’ve had in your cupboard for ages, only to find it’s an expired COVID test. Now, what do you do? Do COVID tests expire? Should you use it? Is it still accurate? This article will discuss at-home COVID tests, how they work, and what to do if you think you have the virus but your COVID test expiration date has passed.

What Are At-Home COVID-19 Tests?

Most over-the-counter (OTC) at home COVID test kits are antigen tests that produce test results in around 15-30 minutes. They are a quick and convenient way to test for COVID-19 in the comfort of your home without traveling to a healthcare facility. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to get accurate test results. Antigen tests aren’t as sensitive as PCR tests, meaning that even if your test indicates a negative result, you could still be infected with COVID-19 and risk infecting others. These tests only detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself and cannot identify antibodies or other signs of immunity in your body.

How Do At-Home COVID-19 Tests Work?

Each home COVID test is a little different. Most kits consist of a collection swab, a sample strip, and a small vial of liquid. After you collect your sample, the test strip will indicate either a positive or negative result. If your test results is positive, you have COVID-19 and should follow these precautions:

• Stay home and avoid others, especially those who are over 65+ or who have weakened immune systems. If you live with others, wear a mask around them and wash your hands thoroughly, especially before touching shared surfaces like door handles.
• Rest and hydrate. You can also use acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as long as you don’t have any contraindications, to help alleviate aches, pains, and fever while the virus runs its course.
• Monitor your symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse. If you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to call 911 or visit an urgent care or emergency room as soon as possible:
• Difficulty breathing could be a sign of hypoxia, which means your organs aren’t getting enough oxygen. You can order a pulse oximeter, which is a plastic clip that fits on your finger, that tells you if your oxygen level is in a healthy range.
• Chest pain, which could be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs, a heart attack, or inflammation of the heart.

If you have a negative result but have symptoms, you may still have COVID-19 and will want to get tested at an AllCare clinic.

How Accurate Are At-Home COVID-19 Tests?

At home COVID test kits are highly accurate, especially when you receive a positive result while COVID cases are circulating in the community. If an at home COVID test indicates you are positive, then you are most likely currently infected with COVID-19. However, you can receive a false negative on your test. Reasons for a false negative can include:

Incorrect Use 

If you don’t follow the instructions, like not swabbing your nose correctly or not waiting the right amount of time, you might get a false negative.

Testing too Early

At-home antigen tests rely on the presence of COVID-19 in your system before indicating a positive result. If you test too soon after symptoms appear, you may receive a false negative and should test in another day or two, especially if you know you’ve been exposed or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Your Test Has Expired

The two main parts of an antigen test—the liquid and the strip—can expire. That means using them after the COVID test expiration date could lead to a false negative result. In some cases, your at home COVID test may have an extended COVID test expiration or even a COVID test expiration date extension.

What to Do if an At-Home COVID Test Has Expired?

While some at-home COVID tests may have an extended COVID test expiration date, using an expired COVID test is not recommended. Some of the materials inside the COVID test kit break down over time. The proteins on the strip deteriorate and may not capture the SARS-CoV-2 virus antigens. It’s also possible that the liquid in the vial may evaporate, so you won’t have enough of a sample to test.

If you’ve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should use a test that isn’t expired or visit AllCare’s closest facility for an antigen or PCR test.

Where to Get Tested for COVID-19

If you suspect you have COVID-19, there are a number of places you can receive a test, including:

• Contact your primary care physician: They can advise you on what to do next, including referring you for testing. You might also be able to have a virtual visit to discuss your symptoms from home.
• Pharmacies: Many major pharmacy retailers offer rapid antigen tests, so you receive results in minutes. Out-of-pocket costs may apply.
• Urgent Care: Urgent care centers often offer both rapid antigen and PCR tests for COVID-19.
• Testing Centers: Many states that offer lab testing facilities also offer COVID-19 testing. Visit the FDA for more information or to find a testing center near you.

COVID-19 Testing Services at AllCare

At AllCare, we provide a comprehensive approach to COVID testing with both rapid (antigen) and PCR (send-out) testing available. Our compassionate team will ensure you get timely results and help guide you through your COVID diagnosis with compassion, offering a treatment plan and antiviral medications if appropriate.

We offer convenient walk-in services with no appointment necessary. Whether you’re looking to get a quick test at a location near you or are interested in consulting with one of our primary care physicians, AllCare makes it easy by offering both under one roof.