Don’t throw out expired COVID-19 checks, FDA says – The Mercury Information

Morayo Ogunbayo | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Structure

You in all probability have a cupboard stuffed with speedy COVID-19 checks you’ve amassed. The expiration dates have come nearer and nearer, with some checks even reaching them.

The Meals and Drug Administration, nonetheless, has mentioned these expiration dates are topic to alter, offering an inventory of the checks which have had their dates prolonged.

COVID-19 speedy antigen checks enable individuals to verify for SARS-CoV-2 infections with out assist from professionals. They supply optimistic or adverse outcomes for the virus, usually inside quarter-hour.

Speedy COVID checks checklist their shelf life — how lengthy the take a look at ought to work as anticipated — and expiration date — the date by way of which the take a look at is anticipated to carry out precisely — on the field. In response to the FDA, expiration dates might be prolonged when the producer offers information displaying the shelf life is longer than initially anticipated.

Discovering the shelf life, known as stability testing, usually takes a very long time for take a look at producers, with the FDA opting to present them a shelf life of 4 to 6 months as a substitute of ready. After the take a look at maker finds the true outcomes of stability testing, they may contact the FDA with their new date.

The FDA has prolonged the expiration date for tons of of checks, out there to look right here.

When do you have to take a speedy COVID take a look at?