Expired COVID-19 Test Kits: What to Do When Government Supplies Hit Their Shelf Life
The Importance of Continued COVID-19 Testing with Rapid Antigen Test Kits
In our post-pandemic world, COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, though thankfully not as intensely as a few years ago. But don't let that fool you – regular testing for the virus is still super important, especially as it continues to form new variants. Whether you're just looking for some peace of mind, trying to keep your workplace safe, or pitching in for community health, being able to spot COVID-19 cases quickly and accurately is key.
Simply put, at-home rapid testing has been a lifesaver, literally. It's helped us catch infections early, take action on the necessary precautions, and keep transmission rates down in our neighbourhoods. And although we’re not in a global crisis, reliable and convenient testing is still a big deal and shouldn’t be overlooked as a way to stay safe.
Government-Provided Rapid Test Kits Now Expired
During the peak of the pandemic, governments worldwide, including Canada, offered free test kits to their communities, helping to strengthen testing efforts and curb the spread of the virus. However, as we settle into 2024, the expiration date for these rapid antigen test kits has arrived. These rapid test kits, including those provided by brands such as BTNX, have either already expired in January or recently expired on March 1st.
BTNX Inc., one of the main manufacturers, is clear about one thing: their Rapid Response kits shouldn't be used once they hit their expiration dates. And Health Canada's backing them up, saying it's not a great idea to use expired tests and expect dependable results. These tests go through a ton of research to make sure they're accurate, but once they hit their expiry, they can’t be considered reliable. So, if you're going to test, better make sure it's with one that's still fresh off the shelf.
Not only have the BTNX rapid antigen tests supplied by the government expired, but the company has also been in some recent hot water after Global News discovered that they deleted crucial data from a study submitted to Health Canada, presenting its COVID-19 test as more reliable than it actually was. You can read more about this via our article here.
The Problem with Expired Rapid Test Kits
Understanding the Impact of Expired Tests on Accuracy
The expiration of these test kits can have a significant impact on the accuracy of test results. Over time, the reagents and components within these kits may degrade, leading to compromised performance and reliability.
This means that expired test kits may yield inaccurate results, including false positives or false negatives, which can have serious implications for individuals, families, and communities. False positives may lead to unnecessary anxiety and disruption, while false negatives could result in undetected cases and potential transmission within our households, work environments, and public spaces.
Artron’s Canadian-Made Rapid Antigen Test Kits
As we’re all aware, COVID-19 never went away. It continues to present us with new and evolving variants and threaten our communities along with flu, RSV, and other respiratory viruses. It’s here to stay and something we need to learn how to cope with, which means knowing how to stay prepared, especially when the test kits in many households have reached their expiration date.
This is why PPE Supply Canada is proud to carry the Artron Rapid Antigen Test Kit, made right here in Canada. With an expiration date of September 2025, you’ll be well-equipped for a long while when choosing Artron to keep in your household, office, or business.
The Artron Rapid Antigen Test Kits come in convenient packs of 5, making it easy to test multiple people in your household or staff on your team. Made in Burnaby, BC, these test kits have been authorized by Health Canada.
Whether you're monitoring symptoms, attending events, or returning from travel, this test offers a fast and reliable way to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you! If your rapid test kits have expired, Artron is a great brand to replace them with.
SHOP AT-HOME COVID-19 RAPID TEST KITS
The Importance of Staying Prepared
Although COVID-19 is no longer dominating the globe and headlines, it remains a threat to everyone, especially the vulnerable. It’s important to keep prepared by stocking up on reliable rapid test kits for fast and convenient at-home testing, while also masking up when feeling symptomatic or receiving a positive result from one of these tests.
As soon as you or a member of your household feels a bit off, if you have an upcoming event or you’ve just left a crowded space, rapid antigen test kits give you the freedom to test yourself and your loved ones quickly, so that you can take the necessary precautions and reduce any chance of transmission and further spread.
Concluding Thoughts
Expired test kits compromise the accuracy and reliability of your test results, potentially providing you with false positives or false negatives, ultimately leading to unnecessary stress and avoidable transmission. It’s always recommended to follow the expiration dates listed on your test kits and stay informed on any extensions or further information regarding your go-to brand of rapid test kits.
We strive to only offer the best to our customers, which is why we offer the Artron Rapid Antigen Test Kit. When you stock up on test kits with us, you’re supporting your Canadian communities, while also safeguarding their health.
Stay safe, stay informed, stay prepared!
Resources:
https://globalnews.ca/news/9944566/covid-rapid-tests-expiry-variants-canada/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/covid-tests-unused-expiry-date-looms-1.7018346
