As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve worldwide, many people have taken advantage of free COVID-19 tests provided by the government. Yet more people are starting to become aware of the fact that, unfortunately, these tests come with almost frighteningly imminent best-before dates. In this post, we unpack why COVID tests are expiring so quickly at each turn, the implications for public health, and what you can do to continue staying informed and keeping yourself protected.
DECIPHERING THE COVID TEST EXPIRATION
Part of it was, these COVID-19 tests come with expiration dates for a reason — because they’re designed to last that long. As with most medical products, these tests have a life span in which they are expected to work best. The shelf life of diagnostic tests is strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a result of exhaustive testing, validation, and performance evaluation. Reasons why a test might expire include:
Stability of Components: COVID tests have one or more chemicals and reagents part where a few has confirmed shelf-life. Eventually, these parts will wear out and when that happens the test might result in negative or positive results.
Stability: Proper storage conditions are pivotal to the integrity of tests. Being exposed to more heat and/or moisture can also decrease the degradation time, allowing them to expire before their use-by date.
General: Manufacturers must provide the FDA with stability data and the performance of their tests. Based on this data, the FDA sets expiration dates to guarantee that testing carried out by the public is both reliable and effective.
Why Expiration Dates Matter
The end of free COVID tests affects our community health. Expired tests are unreliable and can result in widespread COVID-19 transmission if expired test results provide a false sense of security to people after knowing they are not positive. The critical piece has always been the need for testing — proper accurate testing is paramount as communities strive to control & limit virus spread.
There could also be a crisis of public confidence in COVID testing if expired tests are reported. So if they catch word that the exams are antiquated, people might not use precious testing resources after all. That could impede efforts to track or contain outbreaks, especially among vulnerable groups.
The Short Supply of Tests
Part of the reason why tests may be perceived as going stale quickly is because supply chains are so poor overall during a pandemic. The government was to provide a free test kit in all households, and as demand for testing expanded, people were provided with kits. Nevertheless, this sense of urgency may have had the side effect that products remained on the shelf for only short times. Further, given the advent of new variants and fluid testing guidance from public health officials, allowing for near real-time updates becomes completely elementary.
To meet these challenges, health authoritiesare urging people to utilize testing resources as soon as possible. Yes, there might be free tests being given away but using them promptly can ensure people will get fast results.
What Can You Do?
If you choose to utilize any of the free COVID tests, and we think everyone should for their protection:
Check expiration date: Before you give a COVID test, always make sure to look at the expiration date on the package. Additionally, if a test has expired it is advisable to throw the old one out and request a new one.
Store properly: After using any test kit place it with the proper way of storage which is given along. Maintaining them in a cool, dry area out of direct sunshine assists in maintaining their honesty.
Be Informed: Stay abreast of public health guidance through reputable sources like the CDC and FDA. Knowing the most up-to-date test news and facts on variants is informative.
Test: Use available testing resources, in particular during periods of high transmission. Therefore, take frequent tests to prevent the spreading of cases and also reduce case identification.
The Future of COVID Testing
This testing landscape will develop as the pandemic does. Continued research and the development of testing technology will most likely increase accuracy, availability, as well as shelf life. We stand entirely by the work of our public health officials who are working tirelessly to provide testing in a way that tests different portions of those at risk for disease appropriately so it can be managed effectively.
The freeness of COVID tests is going away but that doesn’t mean it’s time to clock out on being health concerned. Informed and responsible actions of individuals can be the game changer in controlling the spread of COVID-19 among communities.
This problem spans the stability of the tests, how they are stored, and regulatory issues around quality assurance. Anyone who wants to use testing resources wisely needs to know why these expiration dates exist. By examining expiration dates, keeping tests in their appropriate place, and using resources well, everyone can help reduce the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
We will keep you updated on more insights about COVID-19 in addition to public health problems, so wait tuned to NewsPoint48your one source of news and informatics!
