Expired COVID Tests in BC Still Accurate for Months, Says Ministry of Health
The British Columbia Ministry of Health has announced that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests with expiration dates in April 2024 are still considered accurate and safe for use for an additional six months, extending their shelf life until October 2024. This news comes as a relief to many who may have been hesitant to use expired tests.
The ministry’s decision to extend the expiration date is based on scientific evidence and consultations with Health Canada. They assure the public that these tests remain reliable and effective for detecting COVID infections despite their original expiry dates. This information was shared with The Tyee, an independent non-profit news organization based in Vancouver, BC.
The Ministry of Health has approximately 900,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in storage across provincial warehouses and pharmacy distributor inventories. Many of these tests have an April 2024 expiration date. The ministry plans to continue distributing these tests free of charge to pharmacies and organizations that serve vulnerable populations, such as long-term care facilities and BC Cancer patients.
Continued Distribution and Future Procurement
These tests will be distributed for the upcoming respiratory season, and the government will “procure tests as necessary” to meet the needs of the province. This proactive approach ensures that there will be enough tests available for public use, even as the threat of COVID-19 continues to linger. The ministry has assured the public that it is working closely with Health Canada to explore options for managing expiring tests.
Responsible Use and Staying Safe
While expired rapid antigen tests remain accurate, it’s crucial to use them responsibly and follow public health guidelines. The ministry strongly advises individuals who experience symptoms of a viral illness, including fever, to stay home and avoid contact with others, especially those who are immunocompromised or seniors, until they are feeling better and have no fever. They should rest until they are able to resume their regular daily activities.
It’s important to remember that a negative result on a rapid antigen test does not necessarily mean that a person does not have COVID-19. The ministry emphasizes that even if a person tests negative, they should still stay home until their symptoms disappear, as a false negative result is possible. This is especially crucial as there have been reports of companies, like the one that produces BTNX rapid antigen tests, fudging their accuracy data. The BTNX tests were found to be accurate for detecting highly infectious COVID infections but less dependable in other cases. This means that the test was more likely to produce false negatives, reporting a negative result even when a person actually had COVID.
Importance of Staying Informed
The availability of expired but accurate tests is a positive development, but it’s vital to remain informed and follow current public health guidelines. The ministry stresses that rapid antigen tests are not intended for home use on children under five years old. If the nose swab is administered by someone who is not a healthcare provider, it could cause injury to a child's nose. As the threat of COVID-19 continues to evolve, it’s essential to keep up-to-date on the latest public health recommendations and use testing tools appropriately for the protection of yourself and others.
The Importance of Independent Journalism
This news was made possible by the work of independent journalists like those at The Tyee. They are dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information to the public. They are funded by their readers, who recognize the vital role of independent journalism in a democratic society. By supporting organizations like The Tyee, we can ensure that we have access to unbiased and in-depth reporting that helps us make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
