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There is a possibility that your test result may be invalid. This means the test did not work. If this happens on your first try, you can try again with the second one in the box (although you’ll need to buy another pack to try again).
Should you report your positive results?
According to the CDC, there are currently no systems in place that require reporting a positive test result at home to public health officials. However, as we mentioned earlier, it is strongly encouraged that you contact your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive the appropriate medical care and treatment. You can also check if your local health department provides an online self-report form.
How should I store covid tests at home?
When storing tests, it is important to ensure that the kits are properly stored to avoid false-negative results. Most indoor rapid tests should be done in a dry place (out of direct sunlight) with temperatures between 35 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can find instructions for the specific tests you use in the manufacturer’s manual that comes with each kit.
According to the FDA, “Test performance is stable when tests are stored at different temperatures, including shipping in very hot areas in the summer and in very cold areas in the winter.” However, if you are still cold after exposure to cold, you should not use the rapid test. Instead, bring it inside and let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before opening.
Make sure quick tests are done out of the reach of children, as the small vial and cap can be choking hazards. Additionally, according to the National Poison Control Center, the bottled solution included in many rapid antigen kits (such as BinaxNow, Flowflex, and BD Veritor) uses sodium azide as a buffering agent—which can be toxic if ingested. Low amounts. Although concentrations of sodium azide in rapid tests are too low to be considered toxic, they can still cause irritation when exposed to the eyes, nose, or skin (including chemical burns).
Check the expiration dates
It is important to pay attention to the expiration date of the rapid test equipment at home. Typically this can be found on the test packaging labeled “Exp” or an hourglass icon. However, some tests are given an extended shelf life by the FDA, so the date you see on the packaging may not be correct. Below we have listed which tests have the longest shelf life and the latest expiration date. The new shelf life of each test only applies if they are properly stored (as described above).
- Abbott Binax Know Antigen Rapid Self-Test Kit: Expires after 15 months; Check here the new expiry date according to your lot number.
- FlowFlex Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test: Expires after 16 months; Check here the new expiry date as per published date.
- Intrivo Diagnostics On/Go Antigen Self-Test: Expires after 12 months; Check here the new expiry date according to your lot number.
- iHealth Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test: It expires after nine months; Check the expiration date of your new test kit by typing the lot number here.
- BD Veritor Digital Tester: Expires after 10 months; Check the new deadline here.
- Find the Covid-19 Starter Kit: It expires after eight months; Check the new deadline here.
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