Public advised of updated COVID-19 test expiration dates

Jul. 23—St. Luke's University Health Network advises the public to be aware of updated COVID-19 test expiration dates.

Consumers should go online to check expiration dates before using the tests or discarding apparently expired tests. The expiration dates on test packaging may not be accurate.

The Food and Drug Administration have extended the expiration dates for many tests after further review of test manufacturers' newly submitted data.

For tests whose expiration dates have not been extended, consumers should respect the dates on the tests' packaging. Expired tests do not provide reliable results.

"At this time, most people who need COVID tests are relying on over the counter at-home tests, so it is extremely important that they understand how to properly evaluate expiration dates," said Jeffrey A. Jahre, M.D., St. Luke's senior vice president of medical and academic affairs and section chief emeritus of infectious diseases.

To check the FDA's latest guidance on common tests, visit www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list.

The list shows the lot numbers of a brand of test, the original expiration date and the new date.