What to do with expired test kits? 

If you have an expired at-home test, check the FDA’s website to see if the expiration date has been extended before throwing it out.

Expired point-of-care and at-home COVID-19 tests should be disposed of immediately according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

• U.S. households can order four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered to their home through the United States Postal Service. 
   
• Local health jurisdictions, tribal health partners, or Washington K-12 schools that need new test kits, can email [email protected] for details.  

Why did the guidance change?
Last year, The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) said it was allowable to use expired COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. This direction was based on the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance. 

When the federal government declared the Public Health Emergency over, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reversed its guidance and stated that expired COVID-19 tests should not be used. Therefore, DOH no longer recommends using expired at-home or point-of-care COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. 

The DOH now follows U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for expired at-home COVID-19 tests. The FDA recommends using at-home COVID-19 tests only within their authorized expiration dates, as tests may deteriorate over time and provide inaccurate results.

For more info on COVID-19 testing in Washington state visit the DOH website.