Consumer tip: Expired COVID-19 test kits may still be effective

This summer, we’ve seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Consequently, beginning in late September, the federal government will allow households to order four free test kits at COVIDTests.gov.

Until then, if you have an old stockpile of home test kits that are lying around your house, you may still be able to test with them even though their stated expiration date has passed. Before buying a new test, check to see whether the expiration dates on any of your test kits have been extended by the Food and Drug Administration. To check, go to the FDA’s website at fda.gov and do a search for over-the-counter coronavirus test expiration dates. When an expiration date has been extended, the FDA lists the at-home tests by manufacturer, test name and lot number and indicates until when the expiration date has been extended. They even show a picture of the test box, as many tests can look the same. If you’re still unsure, call a trusted medical provider.

More information at marincountyda.org or 415-473-6495