Expired Covid 'Tests': The Key to a Dem Win in 2024?

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Expired Covid 'Tests': The Key to a Dem Win in 2024?

Pure speculation, but tinfoil tuxedo time

Joel Walbert

Sep 28, 2023

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Whatever the reason, there is much effort being put into convincing people expired tests are ok. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t, but something’s fishy. I’m more than likely wrong on this, but why would they risk faulty tests if they rely on inflated numbers to keep it going? And I don’t see one that is degraded turning a positive, I would think more it just won’t work at all. Who the fuck knows at this point?

- jw

#DoNotComply #NoCompromise #NoSurrender

FDA extends expiration dates for many tests

source: FDA

But before you chuck all your old tests, you might want to check the Extended Expiration Dates table on the Food and Drug Administration’s website to see if your tests have been given a reprieve.
“With expiration date extensions, the manufacturer has proven their test is good beyond the original expiration date. So, the extensions are not arbitrary,” Tran said.
Many brands have received extended expiration dates. To check, you will need to know the lot number of your test and the printed expiration date. The extended dates are usually only for a few months and are specific to each brand.
For example, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test with a printed expiration date of 2023-05-08 received a 7-month extension from the FDA and is now considered good until 2023-12-08.
But an iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test with the same printed expiration date of 2023-05-08 only received a three-month extension (2023-08-08), so it’s still expired.
For peace of mind, Tran said it may be easier — and more reliable—to simply get new tests.
“There's a saying in laboratory medicine, ‘No test is better than an inaccurate test.’ Essentially, if you get a false answer, you may be worse off than if you didn’t test at all,” Tran said.
This is why he personally will not use an expired test. He noted, though, that home tests are not inexpensive and may only be available to some.
“If you are symptomatic for COVID but don’t have a test, it’s better to err on the side of safety and mask up and isolate, if possible. That way, you can avoid spreading whatever respiratory illness you may have — whether it’s COVID-19 or not,” Tran said.

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Do COVID-19 tests still work after they expire? Here's how to tell.

Source: CBS

Why did the FDA extend expiration dates?

The Food and Drug Administration maintains a list of authorized over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests that indicates if the expiration date printed on their packaging is valid or if it has been extended.
The FDA has extended the expiration dates of a number of different test brands, lengthening their shelf lives to up to two years. The extensions come in response to manufacturers testing their kits for accuracy beyond their printed expirations dates and sharing the results with the FDA.
Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

source: covid.gov

My COVID-19 Home Tests have an expiration date that has passed. What should I do?

Most COVID-⁠19 Home Tests have received expiration extensions from the FDA. To see if your COVID-⁠19 test has an expiration extension, see the List of Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests. For additional COVID-⁠19 Home Test information, visit the FDA At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests: Frequently Asked Questions.

Can a manufacturer extend the expiration date of an at-home COVID-19 diagnostic test?

Yes. Once the test manufacturer has more stability testing results, such as 12 or 18 months, the test manufacturer can contact the FDA to request that the FDA authorize a longer shelf-life. When a longer shelf-life is authorized, the expiration dates will be extended. Expiration dates are extended by the FDA only after extensive studies prove the tests still perform accurately.

Source: covid.gov

Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests and Expiration Dates

The table below lists FDA-authorized at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests, and includes information on expiration dates, who can use the test, and other details that may help you decide what test is right for you. To see complete information on smaller screens, select the blue plus (+) button beside the test name.

Source: FDA