While the current round of free COVID-19 tests being shipped by the U.S. Postal Service are not yet expired, officials acknowledge that many arriving in mailboxes will likely reach their expiration dates in a few months. This is due to a combination of factors, including the high demand for tests earlier in the pandemic, a reduction in current purchasing, and a “first-in-first-out” approach to inventory management.

Expired COVID-19 Tests: Why It’s Happening

The program, administered through COVIDTests.gov, has already shipped about 20 million tests out of a total of 32 million ordered, with all tests originally possessing a minimum two-month shelf life. Arlene Joyner, director of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s (ASPR) Industrial Based Management and Supply Chain Office, explained that the program’s stock now includes tests that have been in inventory for longer periods. The reason for this, Joyner said, is that purchasing has slowed down since the peak of COVID-19 cases earlier this year. This shift in purchasing habits has resulted in older tests being shipped out.

Using a First-in, First-out Approach

ASPR has adopted a “first-in, first-out” approach to manage its inventory of COVID-19 tests. This means that the oldest tests are sent out first, even if they still have a few months remaining before their expiration dates. The purpose behind this strategy is to ensure that tests don’t become stagnant and expire in storage. The goal is to distribute them before their expiry, especially as people often require tests during the fall and winter months due to an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

Understanding Shelf Life Extensions

Additionally, it’s important to understand that expiration dates for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests have often been extended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that tests with extended expiration dates are still considered safe and accurate for use beyond their initially printed dates. This is because manufacturers are now better able to demonstrate the true shelf life of their tests through rigorous testing and validation processes.

Ensuring Accurate Test Expiry Dates

ASPR utilizes extensive databases and tracking systems to manage its stock of COVID-19 tests across its seven warehouses. These systems ensure that tests being sent out haven’t surpassed their expiration date. “Our system is pretty robust. We’re pretty confident that they should not be receiving anything that is lower than the dating that we’re expecting,” stated Joyner, highlighting ASPR’s commitment to providing accurate and reliable tests.

Take Away Points

• It’s normal for older COVID-19 tests to be shipped out as the demand for tests has decreased from its peak earlier this year.
• ASPR employs a “first-in, first-out” strategy to avoid expired test inventory, expediting distribution before expiration.
• Expiration dates for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are often extended by the FDA after undergoing rigorous testing and validation.
• ASPR has robust systems to ensure that no expired COVID-19 tests are shipped to the public.