Hey St George. Have your Covid-19 Rapid Home Test Kits Expired? It’s easy to check

Not long ago, when you needed a Covid-19 test, you had to find someplace to get tested.  Lots of pharmacies and drive through options popped up but when home tests became available for free from the government, I ordered a few to have on hand.  It really makes things easy.  Quick swab and a few simple steps in the test kit and within 15 minutes you'll know.  This week, I started to see stories in the news that lead with the question, "What will the end of Covid Public Health Emergency Mean for YOU?"

My first thought was, "I'll bet the FREE home tests will go away".  I don't know that they will but I ordered a batch anyway.  In a way, I'm glad I did.  This week, my wife returned from a medical coder training seminar in Las Vegas and decided to wear a mask for a while just to be safe.  A lot of people think big gatherings like that are hazardous.  A few days in, she was feeling a little funny so we did one of the home tests.  It came back negative but then I read about home tests expiring.  Wait.  What?  Luckily the FDA has extended the useful dates of a lot of the home tests.  First look up the Lot number on the back of the box.

Then look here to see if yours are still good.  https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20the%20expiration,the%20test%20was%20first%20authorized

As you can see, the ones we were using are expired but according to the chart, they are still good until May of 2023.  As much as all of these precautions still suck, and they DO, the convenience of these tests make this suck a little less.  But check any kits you have on hand and take advantage of the free kits.