Expiration Dates of Over-The-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Facilities may be purchasing such tests themselves or receiving shipments from the New York State Department of Health. Please note, in some cases the expiration date for an approved COVID-19 test may be extended. An extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized. To see if the expiration date for your OTC COVID-19 test has been extended, first find the row in the table here that matches the manufacturer and test name shown on the box label of your test. If the Expiration Date column says that the shelf-life is “extended” there is a link to “updated expiration dates” where you can find a list of the original expiration dates and the new expiration dates.

For example, the iHealth Labs, Inc. iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, has an extended shelf life of 12 months and a list of updated expiration dates noted here.

NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:

Tarrah Quinlan, RN, BSN
Director of Education Program Development and Member Operations
518-462-4800 x20

Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15