🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 143 (from laksa101)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa143.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://health.clevelandclinic.org/expired-covid-test\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://health.clevelandclinic.org/expired-covid-test\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/expired-covid-test","crawl_time":1775933598,"first_indexed_time":1701393545,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,clevelandclinic!health,\/expired-covid-test s443","src_root_hash":"9889140825964526943","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test?","meta_descriptions":["Using an expired COVID-19 test can lead to unreliable and inaccurate results due to the breakdown of antibodies that are used to detect the virus"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"You’ve got a fever, a cough and feel exhausted — symptoms that are common with\nCOVID-19\n. You’d like to take an at-home test, but when you go to grab one from your medicine cabinet, you realize it’s expired.\nWhat should you do? Is it OK to still use an expired COVID-19 test? Are expired COVID-19 tests accurate?\nMicrobiologist and pathologist\nDaniel Rhoads, MD,\nexplains why at-home COVID-19 tests expire and what kind of results you may get if you use one.\nDo COVID-19 tests expire?\nYes. At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests expire. These\nat-home tests\nare used to collect a sample from inside your nose to measure it against\nCOVID-19 antibodies\nthat are stored in the testing strip.\nWhile certain parts of the at-home test kit like the swab don’t expire, there are parts like the vials of liquid and testing strips that do.\n“There are SARS-CoV-2-antigen-specific antibodies in the test — that’s what the test relies upon for its reliability. The antibodies in the test capture the antigen that’s part of the virus,” Dr. Rhoads explains. “So, those antibodies can go bad over time. They’re little pieces of protein, so they can deteriorate over time.”\nIf there’s liquid in the test, it can potentially evaporate over time, which means you won’t have enough liquid volume to properly conduct the test.\nDo expired COVID-19 tests work?\nSo, can you use an expired COVID-19 test?\nFirst, it’s important to make sure that your at-home test is\nactually\nexpired.\n“The expiration date listed on the package might not be its actual expiration date,” notes Dr. Rhoads. “When manufacturers first released these tests, they had conservative expiration dates. As they do additional studies and demonstrate that the expiration date can be pushed back, then they can extend it. But the boxes have already been distributed, with the original expiration date already listed on it.”\nTo check your COVID-19 test expiration date, Dr. Rhoads recommends verifying it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)\nwebsite\n. It lists the manufacturer’s name, the name of the test and any extended expiration dates. In some cases, you can compare lot numbers from an at-home test box against the list. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended anywhere from 15 to 22 months.\nIf you have a test that has an extended expiration date, your test should work and give you accurate results. But if you have an expired test, Dr. Rhoads says the FDA advises against using it to determine if you have COVID-19, as the results might not be accurate.\nWill an expired COVID-19 test give you a false positive?\n“Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to get a false positive using an expired test,” states Dr. Rhoads. “The concern would be for you to get a false negative. If the antibodies stopped working as well, then the test might not detect the virus as well as it could when it was initially manufactured.”\nIf you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should either use an at-home test that isn’t expired or have a\npolymerase chain reaction (PCR) test\ndone.\nHow to store your at-home COVID-19 tests\nYou want to keep your at-home COVID-19 tests in a dry place — and keep your tests in their original packaging.\n“They’re usually packaged pretty well, but I’d keep them where you keep your medicines in a cool, dry place,” advises Dr. Rhoads.\nThis is important because factors like extreme heat or cold can affect results. And you want to keep at-home tests out of reach of children and pets.\nWhether you want to stock up on at-home tests or get one whenever you need to test, that’s up to you.\n“If you feel that you want to be able to test on a moment’s notice, you should keep one on hand,” encourages Dr. Rhoads.\nIf you’re experiencing symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19,\nthe FDA recommends\ntesting more than once and every couple of days if using antigen tests.\nKnowing for sure if you have COVID-19 can help you prevent the spread of the virus to others and also help your healthcare provider select the best\nCOVID-19 treatment\nor management strategy for you.\nBut overall, the best defense against severe COVID-19 is getting your vaccination and staying up to date with any\nboosters recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\n.","attrs_markdown":"Locations:\n\n[Abu Dhabi](https:\/\/www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae\/)\\|[Canada](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/canada)\\|[Florida](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/florida)\\|[London](https:\/\/clevelandcliniclondon.uk\/)\\|[Nevada](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/locations\/nevada)\\|[Ohio](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\\|\n\n![Gray gradient](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/gray-gradient-left-16.59910877.svg?w=32&q=75)![Gray gradient](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/gray-gradient-right-32.dd7ce4e5.svg?w=64&q=75)\n\n- [Health Essentials](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Health Library](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health)\n- [Find a Provider](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/providers)\n- [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/patients\/information\/access)\n- [News](https:\/\/newsroom.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/jobs.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/contact-us)\n\n[![Cleveland Clinic logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Health Essentials logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/zdbb.net\/l\/Dnl1wmWs8xCCpvWNCt9Egf\/?w=16&q=75)\n\n![Search Icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/search--green.d4218f47.svg?w=64&q=75)\n\nSearch\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nMarch 21, 2023\/[Health Conditions](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions)\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n# Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test?\nAntibodies used to detect the virus can weaken over time, so results may not be reliable\n\n![someone taking an at-home covid test](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/LargeFeatureImage\/3d992e9d-1336-4b4a-baff-c4c7dbe87e1b\/Expired-Covid-Tests-1361590305-770x533-1_jpg)\n\n**Image content:** This image is available to view online.\n\nView image online (https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/3d992e9d-1336-4b4a-baff-c4c7dbe87e1b\/Expired-Covid-Tests-1361590305-770x533-1\\_jpg)\n\nsomeone taking an at-home covid test\n\nYou’ve got a fever, a cough and feel exhausted — symptoms that are common with [COVID-19](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21214-coronavirus-covid-19). You’d like to take an at-home test, but when you go to grab one from your medicine cabinet, you realize it’s expired.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/advertising)\n\nWhat should you do? Is it OK to still use an expired COVID-19 test? Are expired COVID-19 tests accurate?\n\nMicrobiologist and pathologist [Daniel Rhoads, MD,](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/staff\/26059-daniel-rhoads) explains why at-home COVID-19 tests expire and what kind of results you may get if you use one.\n\n## Do COVID-19 tests expire?\nYes. At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests expire. These [at-home tests](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-do-an-at-home-covid-test\/) are used to collect a sample from inside your nose to measure it against [COVID-19 antibodies](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating\/) that are stored in the testing strip.\n\nWhile certain parts of the at-home test kit like the swab don’t expire, there are parts like the vials of liquid and testing strips that do.\n\n“There are SARS-CoV-2-antigen-specific antibodies in the test — that’s what the test relies upon for its reliability. The antibodies in the test capture the antigen that’s part of the virus,” Dr. Rhoads explains. “So, those antibodies can go bad over time. They’re little pieces of protein, so they can deteriorate over time.”\n\nIf there’s liquid in the test, it can potentially evaporate over time, which means you won’t have enough liquid volume to properly conduct the test.\n\n## Do expired COVID-19 tests work?\nSo, can you use an expired COVID-19 test?\n\nFirst, it’s important to make sure that your at-home test is *actually* expired.\n\n“The expiration date listed on the package might not be its actual expiration date,” notes Dr. Rhoads. “When manufacturers first released these tests, they had conservative expiration dates. As they do additional studies and demonstrate that the expiration date can be pushed back, then they can extend it. But the boxes have already been distributed, with the original expiration date already listed on it.”\n\nAdvertisement\n\nTo check your COVID-19 test expiration date, Dr. Rhoads recommends verifying it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) [website](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests). It lists the manufacturer’s name, the name of the test and any extended expiration dates. In some cases, you can compare lot numbers from an at-home test box against the list. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended anywhere from 15 to 22 months.\n\nIf you have a test that has an extended expiration date, your test should work and give you accurate results. But if you have an expired test, Dr. Rhoads says the FDA advises against using it to determine if you have COVID-19, as the results might not be accurate.\n\n### Will an expired COVID-19 test give you a false positive?\n“Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to get a false positive using an expired test,” states Dr. Rhoads. “The concern would be for you to get a false negative. If the antibodies stopped working as well, then the test might not detect the virus as well as it could when it was initially manufactured.”\n\nIf you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should either use an at-home test that isn’t expired or have a [polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing) done.\n\n## How to store your at-home COVID-19 tests\nYou want to keep your at-home COVID-19 tests in a dry place — and keep your tests in their original packaging.\n\n“They’re usually packaged pretty well, but I’d keep them where you keep your medicines in a cool, dry place,” advises Dr. Rhoads.\n\nThis is important because factors like extreme heat or cold can affect results. And you want to keep at-home tests out of reach of children and pets.\n\nWhether you want to stock up on at-home tests or get one whenever you need to test, that’s up to you.\n\n“If you feel that you want to be able to test on a moment’s notice, you should keep one on hand,” encourages Dr. Rhoads.\n\nIf you’re experiencing symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, [the FDA recommends](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests) testing more than once and every couple of days if using antigen tests.\n\nKnowing for sure if you have COVID-19 can help you prevent the spread of the virus to others and also help your healthcare provider select the best [COVID-19 treatment](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-treat-covid\/) or management strategy for you.\n\nBut overall, the best defense against severe COVID-19 is getting your vaccination and staying up to date with any [boosters recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/index.html).\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[![Cleveland Clinic logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Health Essentials logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n![Subscription icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4\/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75)\n\n## Better health starts here\nSign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.\n\n[Example email](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789\/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-sign-up)\n\n[Sign up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789\/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)\n\nLearn more about our [editorial process](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/editorial-policy).\n\nHealth Library\n\nPCR Test\n\n[What is a PCR test?](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#what-is-a-pcr-test)\n\n[Test Details](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#test-details)\n\n[Results and Follow-Up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#results-and-follow-up)\n\nHealth Library\n\nPCR Test\n\n[What is a PCR test?](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#what-is-a-pcr-test)\n\n[Test Details](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#test-details)\n\n[Results and Follow-Up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#results-and-follow-up)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Hand holding foot with COVID toe](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/0c689e28-c622-4c60-bcaa-76aeee89c137\/covid-toes-1250715080?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/covid-rashes)\n\nFebruary 5, 2026\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [COVID Toes, COVID Rashes and Other Skin Complications: A Quick Guide](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/covid-rashes)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/covid-rashes\n\nChilblain-like skin lesions and rashes are mild (and rare) complications of many viral infections, not just COVID-19\n\n[![Fashionable older person blowing into a mug, looking out window](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/e0ba7442-cd5d-43f1-9c24-7862ab757401\/elder-drink-tea-look-out-window-sick-2230297803?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/covid-guidelines)\n\nOctober 3, 2025\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [Understanding COVID-19 Guidelines](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/covid-guidelines)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/covid-guidelines\n\nMost can return to work or school when they’re symptom-free for 24 hours\n\n[![People showing COVID-19 prevention techniques, like washing hands, masking and getting vaccines](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/9b08d817-f203-4a57-b035-27e743e189ce\/covid19-prevention-1315609873?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/coronavirus-tips-prevention-and-safety-for-everyday-life)\n\nJune 30, 2025\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [Coronavirus Tips: Prevention and Safety for Everyday Life](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/coronavirus-tips-prevention-and-safety-for-everyday-life)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/coronavirus-tips-prevention-and-safety-for-everyday-life\n\nCovering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you’re sick are a couple ways to help keep yourself and others COVID-free\n\n[![Vitamin D capsules backlit by sunlight](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/82cd452e-d5a4-4d13-bab5-1558b2a58ce4\/vitaminDcovid19b-1145207411-770x533-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-vitamin-d-prevent-covid-19)\n\nMay 13, 2025\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [What To Know About Vitamin D and COVID-19](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-vitamin-d-prevent-covid-19)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-vitamin-d-prevent-covid-19\n\nThis vital nutrient supports your health, but its role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment isn’t proven\n\n[![Glass of water on table, with medicine bottle of purple capsules, and capsules on table](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/1e3393bf-e312-4ad0-952f-bdaa034966a1\/melatonin-2158208220?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-melatonin-help-treat-covid-19)\n\nNovember 27, 2024\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [Can Melatonin Help Treat COVID-19?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-melatonin-help-treat-covid-19)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-melatonin-help-treat-covid-19\n\nStudies have shown promising results, but additional research is needed\n\n[![Healthcare provider examining person's throat in office, with oversized germs around](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/adad54c1-c240-45fd-a693-ec5434cb9784\/thorat-checkup-patient-doctor-covid-1412852052-r?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-covid-19-voice-and-what-causes-it)\n\nNovember 21, 2024\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [How Laryngitis and COVID-19 Can Impact Your Voice](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-covid-19-voice-and-what-causes-it)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-covid-19-voice-and-what-causes-it\n\nInfection and inflammation can cause you to lose your voice and have other voice changes until you’re fully healed\n\n[![Person lying stomach down on bed, head on crossed arms, staring into the distance](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/7c625131-6eaf-4b1b-8f58-e0b9f402ae86\/depressedPerson-1421877961?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-link-between-covid-and-depression)\n\nNovember 18, 2024\/[Cold, Flu & Respiratory Illnesses](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/cold-flu-respiratory-illnesses)\n\n### [Having COVID-19 May Increase Your Risk of Depression](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-link-between-covid-and-depression)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-link-between-covid-and-depression\n\nA COVID-19 infection can bring on depression or anxiety months after physical symptoms go away\n\n[![Person in mask and medical coveralls handling COVID-19 vials with gloved hands](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/b426f571-6d27-4780-8378-ddf89076ed16\/scientist-testing-1214032243?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating)\n\nNovember 14, 2024\/[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)\n\n### [COVID-19 Variants: What’s New and Why We’re Still Concerned](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating\n\nJust like the flu, COVID-19 continues to evolve every year with new and smarter variants\n\n## Trending Topics\n[![Person walking outdoors, looking at smartphone](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/c10f2c1c-3976-499f-b183-d6facbc668eb\/california-sober-1133287692?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-cali-sober)\n\n[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [What Does It Mean To Be ‘California Sober’?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-cali-sober)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-is-cali-sober\n\nThis ‘harm reduction’ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another — a method that isn’t backed by research\n\n[![Caregiver applying makeup to smiling teen](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/d46853f3-4bcf-483b-a969-21e217e1d467\/mom-and-teen-makeup-fun-2253970391?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know)\n\n[Children’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)\n\n### [Is It OK for Your Kid To Wear Makeup? 5 Things To Consider](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know\n\nEducate your child about body image, expectations and skin care first\n\n[![Person in long-sleeve swimwear, scratching at their itchy wrist](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/f861debb-bad0-4b41-a55d-e23757918e2b\/chlorine-reaction-pool-1521871387?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chlorine-rash)\n\n[Skin Care & Beauty](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/skin-care-beauty)\n\n### [Is That a Chlorine Rash? What Your Skin Is Telling You](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chlorine-rash)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/chlorine-rash\n\nA true chlorine allergy is extremely rare — it’s far more likely that you have a damaged skin barrier\n\n## Health Categories To Explore\n[![Brain & Nervous System Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/a1fee7a1-b531-4bb5-83f8-2ace3380adeb\/icon-Brain-and-Nervous-System?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)[Brain & Nervous System](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)\n\n[![Children's Health Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/03fb80e3-5678-49ca-bc45-2a9c89ce8b44\/icon-Childrens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)[Children’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)\n\n[![Exercise & Fitness Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/9b53a14f-4ea0-42f6-bcd7-ad4296165115\/icon-Exercise-and-Fitness?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/exercise-fitness)[Exercise & Fitness](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/exercise-fitness)\n\n[![Heart Health Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/317a9fd3-ba2c-4be2-a62d-6c975f3e34bc\/icon-Heart-Health?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/heart-health)[Heart Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/heart-health)\n\n[![Men's Health Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/6ed57815-f52e-414d-9365-8e9de2652dad\/icon-Mens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/mens-health)[Men’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/mens-health)\n\n[![Mental Health Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/18ae6927-4315-4483-ba6c-6110bc55adeb\/icon-Mental-Health?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n[![Nutrition Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/4a145348-0fa2-410f-9c8d-d7e349ef85e3\/icon-Nutrition?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/nutrition)[Nutrition](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/nutrition)\n\n[![Orthopaedics icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/58879694-6694-467f-b5b4-f00c3b2d31cd\/icon-Orthopaedics?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/orthopaedics)[Orthopaedics](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/orthopaedics)\n\n[![Primary Care Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/d7cc1738-82a9-4276-a77d-39ffbab8dea4\/icon-Primary-Care?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/primary-care)[Primary Care](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/primary-care)\n\n[![Skincare & beauty icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/67b83514-1b4b-491f-91c9-f5e7b0f33908\/icon-Skin-Care-Beauty?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/skin-care-beauty)[Skin Care & Beauty](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/skin-care-beauty)\n\n[![Wellness Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/9a1f6d33-6953-4a1a-9ca1-5bbd42bbe347\/icon-Wellness?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/wellness)[Wellness](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/wellness)\n\n[![Women's Health Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/5dce7def-dda0-4421-9205-be0cf83bc800\/icon-Womens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/womens-health)[Women’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/womens-health)\n\n### Other Popular Categories\n[Aging Well](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/aging-well)[Allergies](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/allergies)[Cancer Care & Prevention](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/cancer-care-prevention)[Chronic Pain](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/chronic-pain)[Cold, Flu & Respiratory Illnesses](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/cold-flu-respiratory-illnesses)[Diabetes & Endocrinology](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/diabetes-endocrinology)[Digestive](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/digestive-health)[Ear, Nose & Throat](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/ear-nose-throat)[Eye Care](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/eye-care)[Infectious Disease](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/infectious-disease)[Lung](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/lung-health)[Oral Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/oral-health)[Parenting](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/parenting-category)[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/pregnancy-childbirth)[Recipes](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/recipes)[Rheumatology & Immunology](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/rheumatology-immunology)[Senior Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/senior-health)[Sex & Relationships](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/sex-relationships)[Sleep](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/sleep)[Urinary & Kidney Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/urinary-kidney-health)[Weight Loss](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/weight-loss)\n\nAd\n\nRendered: Fri Apr 10 2026 16:48:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)\n\n#### Cleveland Clinic\n[Home](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[About Cleveland Clinic](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about)[Careers at Cleveland Clinic](https:\/\/jobs.clevelandclinic.org\/)[Giving](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/giving)[Community Outreach](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/community\/government-relations)[Research & Innovations](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/research)[Health Library](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health)[Free Health eNewsletters](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-newsletter?utm_medium=email&utm_source=jotform&utm_campaign=he&utm_content=signuppage)[Resources for Medical Professionals](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/professionals)[Media Relations](https:\/\/newsroom.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n#### Site Information & Policies\n[Send Us Feedback](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/webmail)[About this Website](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website)[Advertising Policy](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/advertising\/)[Social Media Policy](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/social-media)[Copyright, Reprints & Licensing](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/reprints-licensing)[Website Terms of Use](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/terms-of-use)[Website Privacy Policy](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/privacy-security)[Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/privacy-practices)[Non-Discrimination and Availability](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/non-discrimination-notice)\n\n#### Resources\n[Mobile Apps](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/mobile-apps)[Podcasts](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/podcasts\/health-essentials)\n\n9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 \\| [800\\.223.2273](tel:8002232273) \\| © 2026 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"You’ve got a fever, a cough and feel exhausted — symptoms that are common with [COVID-19](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21214-coronavirus-covid-19). You’d like to take an at-home test, but when you go to grab one from your medicine cabinet, you realize it’s expired.\n\nWhat should you do? Is it OK to still use an expired COVID-19 test? Are expired COVID-19 tests accurate?\n\nMicrobiologist and pathologist [Daniel Rhoads, MD,](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/staff\/26059-daniel-rhoads) explains why at-home COVID-19 tests expire and what kind of results you may get if you use one.\n\n## Do COVID-19 tests expire?\nYes. At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests expire. These [at-home tests](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-do-an-at-home-covid-test\/) are used to collect a sample from inside your nose to measure it against [COVID-19 antibodies](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating\/) that are stored in the testing strip.\n\nWhile certain parts of the at-home test kit like the swab don’t expire, there are parts like the vials of liquid and testing strips that do.\n\n“There are SARS-CoV-2-antigen-specific antibodies in the test — that’s what the test relies upon for its reliability. The antibodies in the test capture the antigen that’s part of the virus,” Dr. Rhoads explains. “So, those antibodies can go bad over time. They’re little pieces of protein, so they can deteriorate over time.”\n\nIf there’s liquid in the test, it can potentially evaporate over time, which means you won’t have enough liquid volume to properly conduct the test.\n\n## Do expired COVID-19 tests work?\nSo, can you use an expired COVID-19 test?\n\nFirst, it’s important to make sure that your at-home test is *actually* expired.\n\n“The expiration date listed on the package might not be its actual expiration date,” notes Dr. Rhoads. “When manufacturers first released these tests, they had conservative expiration dates. As they do additional studies and demonstrate that the expiration date can be pushed back, then they can extend it. But the boxes have already been distributed, with the original expiration date already listed on it.”\n\nTo check your COVID-19 test expiration date, Dr. Rhoads recommends verifying it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) [website](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests). It lists the manufacturer’s name, the name of the test and any extended expiration dates. In some cases, you can compare lot numbers from an at-home test box against the list. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended anywhere from 15 to 22 months.\n\nIf you have a test that has an extended expiration date, your test should work and give you accurate results. But if you have an expired test, Dr. Rhoads says the FDA advises against using it to determine if you have COVID-19, as the results might not be accurate.\n\n### Will an expired COVID-19 test give you a false positive?\n“Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to get a false positive using an expired test,” states Dr. Rhoads. “The concern would be for you to get a false negative. If the antibodies stopped working as well, then the test might not detect the virus as well as it could when it was initially manufactured.”\n\nIf you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should either use an at-home test that isn’t expired or have a [polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing) done.\n\n## How to store your at-home COVID-19 tests\nYou want to keep your at-home COVID-19 tests in a dry place — and keep your tests in their original packaging.\n\n“They’re usually packaged pretty well, but I’d keep them where you keep your medicines in a cool, dry place,” advises Dr. Rhoads.\n\nThis is important because factors like extreme heat or cold can affect results. And you want to keep at-home tests out of reach of children and pets.\n\nWhether you want to stock up on at-home tests or get one whenever you need to test, that’s up to you.\n\n“If you feel that you want to be able to test on a moment’s notice, you should keep one on hand,” encourages Dr. Rhoads.\n\nIf you’re experiencing symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, [the FDA recommends](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests) testing more than once and every couple of days if using antigen tests.\n\nKnowing for sure if you have COVID-19 can help you prevent the spread of the virus to others and also help your healthcare provider select the best [COVID-19 treatment](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-treat-covid\/) or management strategy for you.\n\nBut overall, the best defense against severe COVID-19 is getting your vaccination and staying up to date with any [boosters recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/index.html).","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

8 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.3 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://health.clevelandclinic.org/expired-covid-test
Last Crawled	2026-04-11 18:53:18 (8 days ago)
First Indexed	2023-12-01 01:19:05 (2 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test?
Meta Description	Using an expired COVID-19 test can lead to unreliable and inaccurate results due to the breakdown of antibodies that are used to detect the virus
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	You’ve got a fever, a cough and feel exhausted — symptoms that are common with COVID-19 . You’d like to take an at-home test, but when you go to grab one from your medicine cabinet, you realize it’s expired. What should you do? Is it OK to still use an expired COVID-19 test? Are expired COVID-19 tests accurate? Microbiologist and pathologist Daniel Rhoads, MD, explains why at-home COVID-19 tests expire and what kind of results you may get if you use one. Do COVID-19 tests expire? Yes. At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests expire. These at-home tests are used to collect a sample from inside your nose to measure it against COVID-19 antibodies that are stored in the testing strip. While certain parts of the at-home test kit like the swab don’t expire, there are parts like the vials of liquid and testing strips that do. “There are SARS-CoV-2-antigen-specific antibodies in the test — that’s what the test relies upon for its reliability. The antibodies in the test capture the antigen that’s part of the virus,” Dr. Rhoads explains. “So, those antibodies can go bad over time. They’re little pieces of protein, so they can deteriorate over time.” If there’s liquid in the test, it can potentially evaporate over time, which means you won’t have enough liquid volume to properly conduct the test. Do expired COVID-19 tests work? So, can you use an expired COVID-19 test? First, it’s important to make sure that your at-home test is actually expired. “The expiration date listed on the package might not be its actual expiration date,” notes Dr. Rhoads. “When manufacturers first released these tests, they had conservative expiration dates. As they do additional studies and demonstrate that the expiration date can be pushed back, then they can extend it. But the boxes have already been distributed, with the original expiration date already listed on it.” To check your COVID-19 test expiration date, Dr. Rhoads recommends verifying it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website . It lists the manufacturer’s name, the name of the test and any extended expiration dates. In some cases, you can compare lot numbers from an at-home test box against the list. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended anywhere from 15 to 22 months. If you have a test that has an extended expiration date, your test should work and give you accurate results. But if you have an expired test, Dr. Rhoads says the FDA advises against using it to determine if you have COVID-19, as the results might not be accurate. Will an expired COVID-19 test give you a false positive? “Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to get a false positive using an expired test,” states Dr. Rhoads. “The concern would be for you to get a false negative. If the antibodies stopped working as well, then the test might not detect the virus as well as it could when it was initially manufactured.” If you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should either use an at-home test that isn’t expired or have a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test done. How to store your at-home COVID-19 tests You want to keep your at-home COVID-19 tests in a dry place — and keep your tests in their original packaging. “They’re usually packaged pretty well, but I’d keep them where you keep your medicines in a cool, dry place,” advises Dr. Rhoads. This is important because factors like extreme heat or cold can affect results. And you want to keep at-home tests out of reach of children and pets. Whether you want to stock up on at-home tests or get one whenever you need to test, that’s up to you. “If you feel that you want to be able to test on a moment’s notice, you should keep one on hand,” encourages Dr. Rhoads. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, the FDA recommends testing more than once and every couple of days if using antigen tests. Knowing for sure if you have COVID-19 can help you prevent the spread of the virus to others and also help your healthcare provider select the best COVID-19 treatment or management strategy for you. But overall, the best defense against severe COVID-19 is getting your vaccination and staying up to date with any boosters recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
Markdown	Locations: [Abu Dhabi](https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/)\\|[Canada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/canada)\\|[Florida](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida)\\|[London](https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/)\\|[Nevada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada)\\|[Ohio](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)\\| ![Gray gradient](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/gray-gradient-left-16.59910877.svg?w=32&q=75)![Gray gradient](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/gray-gradient-right-32.dd7ce4e5.svg?w=64&q=75) - [Health Essentials](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health) - [Find a Provider](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers) - [Make an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access) - [News](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Careers](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Contact Us](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/contact-us) [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![](https://zdbb.net/l/Dnl1wmWs8xCCpvWNCt9Egf/?w=16&q=75) ![Search Icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/search--green.d4218f47.svg?w=64&q=75) Search Advertisement Advertisement March 21, 2023/[Health Conditions](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions)/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) # Can You Still Use an Expired COVID-19 Test? Antibodies used to detect the virus can weaken over time, so results may not be reliable ![someone taking an at-home covid test](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/LargeFeatureImage/3d992e9d-1336-4b4a-baff-c4c7dbe87e1b/Expired-Covid-Tests-1361590305-770x533-1_jpg) Image content: This image is available to view online. View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/3d992e9d-1336-4b4a-baff-c4c7dbe87e1b/Expired-Covid-Tests-1361590305-770x533-1\_jpg) someone taking an at-home covid test You’ve got a fever, a cough and feel exhausted — symptoms that are common with [COVID-19](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21214-coronavirus-covid-19). You’d like to take an at-home test, but when you go to grab one from your medicine cabinet, you realize it’s expired. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising) What should you do? Is it OK to still use an expired COVID-19 test? Are expired COVID-19 tests accurate? Microbiologist and pathologist [Daniel Rhoads, MD,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/26059-daniel-rhoads) explains why at-home COVID-19 tests expire and what kind of results you may get if you use one. ## Do COVID-19 tests expire? Yes. At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests expire. These [at-home tests](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-do-an-at-home-covid-test/) are used to collect a sample from inside your nose to measure it against [COVID-19 antibodies](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating/) that are stored in the testing strip. While certain parts of the at-home test kit like the swab don’t expire, there are parts like the vials of liquid and testing strips that do. “There are SARS-CoV-2-antigen-specific antibodies in the test — that’s what the test relies upon for its reliability. The antibodies in the test capture the antigen that’s part of the virus,” Dr. Rhoads explains. “So, those antibodies can go bad over time. They’re little pieces of protein, so they can deteriorate over time.” If there’s liquid in the test, it can potentially evaporate over time, which means you won’t have enough liquid volume to properly conduct the test. ## Do expired COVID-19 tests work? So, can you use an expired COVID-19 test? First, it’s important to make sure that your at-home test is actually expired. “The expiration date listed on the package might not be its actual expiration date,” notes Dr. Rhoads. “When manufacturers first released these tests, they had conservative expiration dates. As they do additional studies and demonstrate that the expiration date can be pushed back, then they can extend it. But the boxes have already been distributed, with the original expiration date already listed on it.” Advertisement To check your COVID-19 test expiration date, Dr. Rhoads recommends verifying it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) [website](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests). It lists the manufacturer’s name, the name of the test and any extended expiration dates. In some cases, you can compare lot numbers from an at-home test box against the list. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended anywhere from 15 to 22 months. If you have a test that has an extended expiration date, your test should work and give you accurate results. But if you have an expired test, Dr. Rhoads says the FDA advises against using it to determine if you have COVID-19, as the results might not be accurate. ### Will an expired COVID-19 test give you a false positive? “Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to get a false positive using an expired test,” states Dr. Rhoads. “The concern would be for you to get a false negative. If the antibodies stopped working as well, then the test might not detect the virus as well as it could when it was initially manufactured.” If you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should either use an at-home test that isn’t expired or have a [polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing) done. ## How to store your at-home COVID-19 tests You want to keep your at-home COVID-19 tests in a dry place — and keep your tests in their original packaging. “They’re usually packaged pretty well, but I’d keep them where you keep your medicines in a cool, dry place,” advises Dr. Rhoads. This is important because factors like extreme heat or cold can affect results. And you want to keep at-home tests out of reach of children and pets. Whether you want to stock up on at-home tests or get one whenever you need to test, that’s up to you. “If you feel that you want to be able to test on a moment’s notice, you should keep one on hand,” encourages Dr. Rhoads. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, [the FDA recommends](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests) testing more than once and every couple of days if using antigen tests. Knowing for sure if you have COVID-19 can help you prevent the spread of the virus to others and also help your healthcare provider select the best [COVID-19 treatment](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-treat-covid/) or management strategy for you. But overall, the best defense against severe COVID-19 is getting your vaccination and staying up to date with any [boosters recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html). Advertisement [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![Subscription icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75) ## Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. [Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up) [Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026) Learn more about our [editorial process](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/editorial-policy). Health Library PCR Test [What is a PCR test?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#what-is-a-pcr-test) [Test Details](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#test-details) [Results and Follow-Up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#results-and-follow-up) Health Library PCR Test [What is a PCR test?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#what-is-a-pcr-test) [Test Details](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#test-details) [Results and Follow-Up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing#results-and-follow-up) Advertisement ## Related Articles [![Hand holding foot with COVID toe](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/0c689e28-c622-4c60-bcaa-76aeee89c137/covid-toes-1250715080?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-rashes) February 5, 2026/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [COVID Toes, COVID Rashes and Other Skin Complications: A Quick Guide](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-rashes) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-rashes Chilblain-like skin lesions and rashes are mild (and rare) complications of many viral infections, not just COVID-19 [![Fashionable older person blowing into a mug, looking out window](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/e0ba7442-cd5d-43f1-9c24-7862ab757401/elder-drink-tea-look-out-window-sick-2230297803?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-guidelines) October 3, 2025/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [Understanding COVID-19 Guidelines](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-guidelines) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-guidelines Most can return to work or school when they’re symptom-free for 24 hours [![People showing COVID-19 prevention techniques, like washing hands, masking and getting vaccines](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/9b08d817-f203-4a57-b035-27e743e189ce/covid19-prevention-1315609873?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coronavirus-tips-prevention-and-safety-for-everyday-life) June 30, 2025/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [Coronavirus Tips: Prevention and Safety for Everyday Life](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coronavirus-tips-prevention-and-safety-for-everyday-life) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coronavirus-tips-prevention-and-safety-for-everyday-life Covering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you’re sick are a couple ways to help keep yourself and others COVID-free [![Vitamin D capsules backlit by sunlight](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/82cd452e-d5a4-4d13-bab5-1558b2a58ce4/vitaminDcovid19b-1145207411-770x533-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-vitamin-d-prevent-covid-19) May 13, 2025/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [What To Know About Vitamin D and COVID-19](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-vitamin-d-prevent-covid-19) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-vitamin-d-prevent-covid-19 This vital nutrient supports your health, but its role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment isn’t proven [![Glass of water on table, with medicine bottle of purple capsules, and capsules on table](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/1e3393bf-e312-4ad0-952f-bdaa034966a1/melatonin-2158208220?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-melatonin-help-treat-covid-19) November 27, 2024/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [Can Melatonin Help Treat COVID-19?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-melatonin-help-treat-covid-19) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-melatonin-help-treat-covid-19 Studies have shown promising results, but additional research is needed [![Healthcare provider examining person's throat in office, with oversized germs around](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/adad54c1-c240-45fd-a693-ec5434cb9784/thorat-checkup-patient-doctor-covid-1412852052-r?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-covid-19-voice-and-what-causes-it) November 21, 2024/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [How Laryngitis and COVID-19 Can Impact Your Voice](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-covid-19-voice-and-what-causes-it) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-covid-19-voice-and-what-causes-it Infection and inflammation can cause you to lose your voice and have other voice changes until you’re fully healed [![Person lying stomach down on bed, head on crossed arms, staring into the distance](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/7c625131-6eaf-4b1b-8f58-e0b9f402ae86/depressedPerson-1421877961?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-link-between-covid-and-depression) November 18, 2024/[Cold, Flu & Respiratory Illnesses](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/cold-flu-respiratory-illnesses) ### [Having COVID-19 May Increase Your Risk of Depression](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-link-between-covid-and-depression) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-link-between-covid-and-depression A COVID-19 infection can bring on depression or anxiety months after physical symptoms go away [![Person in mask and medical coveralls handling COVID-19 vials with gloved hands](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/b426f571-6d27-4780-8378-ddf89076ed16/scientist-testing-1214032243?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating) November 14, 2024/[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease) ### [COVID-19 Variants: What’s New and Why We’re Still Concerned](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating Just like the flu, COVID-19 continues to evolve every year with new and smarter variants ## Trending Topics [![Person walking outdoors, looking at smartphone](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/c10f2c1c-3976-499f-b183-d6facbc668eb/california-sober-1133287692?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober) [Mental Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health) ### [What Does It Mean To Be ‘California Sober’?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober This ‘harm reduction’ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another — a method that isn’t backed by research [![Caregiver applying makeup to smiling teen](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/d46853f3-4bcf-483b-a969-21e217e1d467/mom-and-teen-makeup-fun-2253970391?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know) [Children’s Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/childrens-health) ### [Is It OK for Your Kid To Wear Makeup? 5 Things To Consider](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know Educate your child about body image, expectations and skin care first [![Person in long-sleeve swimwear, scratching at their itchy wrist](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/f861debb-bad0-4b41-a55d-e23757918e2b/chlorine-reaction-pool-1521871387?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash) [Skin Care & Beauty](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty) ### [Is That a Chlorine Rash? What Your Skin Is Telling You](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash A true chlorine allergy is extremely rare — it’s far more likely that you have a damaged skin barrier ## Health Categories To Explore [![Brain & Nervous System Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/a1fee7a1-b531-4bb5-83f8-2ace3380adeb/icon-Brain-and-Nervous-System?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system)[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system) [![Children's Health Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/03fb80e3-5678-49ca-bc45-2a9c89ce8b44/icon-Childrens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/childrens-health)[Children’s Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/childrens-health) [![Exercise & Fitness Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/9b53a14f-4ea0-42f6-bcd7-ad4296165115/icon-Exercise-and-Fitness?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/exercise-fitness)[Exercise & Fitness](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/exercise-fitness) [![Heart Health Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/317a9fd3-ba2c-4be2-a62d-6c975f3e34bc/icon-Heart-Health?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/heart-health)[Heart Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/heart-health) [![Men's Health Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/6ed57815-f52e-414d-9365-8e9de2652dad/icon-Mens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/mens-health)[Men’s Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/mens-health) [![Mental Health Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/18ae6927-4315-4483-ba6c-6110bc55adeb/icon-Mental-Health?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health)[Mental Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health) [![Nutrition Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/4a145348-0fa2-410f-9c8d-d7e349ef85e3/icon-Nutrition?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/nutrition)[Nutrition](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/nutrition) [![Orthopaedics icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/58879694-6694-467f-b5b4-f00c3b2d31cd/icon-Orthopaedics?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/orthopaedics)[Orthopaedics](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/orthopaedics) [![Primary Care Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/d7cc1738-82a9-4276-a77d-39ffbab8dea4/icon-Primary-Care?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care)[Primary Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care) [![Skincare & beauty icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/67b83514-1b4b-491f-91c9-f5e7b0f33908/icon-Skin-Care-Beauty?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty)[Skin Care & Beauty](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty) [![Wellness Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/9a1f6d33-6953-4a1a-9ca1-5bbd42bbe347/icon-Wellness?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/wellness)[Wellness](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/wellness) [![Women's Health Icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/5dce7def-dda0-4421-9205-be0cf83bc800/icon-Womens-Health?w=128&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health)[Women’s Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health) ### Other Popular Categories [Aging Well](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/aging-well)[Allergies](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/allergies)[Cancer Care & Prevention](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/cancer-care-prevention)[Chronic Pain](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/chronic-pain)[Cold, Flu & Respiratory Illnesses](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/cold-flu-respiratory-illnesses)[Diabetes & Endocrinology](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/diabetes-endocrinology)[Digestive](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/digestive-health)[Ear, Nose & Throat](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/ear-nose-throat)[Eye Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/eye-care)[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease)[Lung](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/lung-health)[Oral Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/oral-health)[Parenting](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/parenting-category)[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth)[Recipes](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/recipes)[Rheumatology & Immunology](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/rheumatology-immunology)[Senior Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/senior-health)[Sex & Relationships](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/sex-relationships)[Sleep](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/sleep)[Urinary & Kidney Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/urinary-kidney-health)[Weight Loss](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/weight-loss) Ad Rendered: Fri Apr 10 2026 16:48:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) #### Cleveland Clinic [Home](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[About Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about)[Careers at Cleveland Clinic](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/)[Giving](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving)[Community Outreach](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/community/government-relations)[Research & Innovations](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/research)[Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health)[Free Health eNewsletters](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-newsletter?utm_medium=email&utm_source=jotform&utm_campaign=he&utm_content=signuppage)[Resources for Medical Professionals](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/professionals)[Media Relations](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/) #### Site Information & Policies [Send Us Feedback](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webmail)[About this Website](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website)[Advertising Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising/)[Social Media Policy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/social-media)[Copyright, Reprints & Licensing](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/reprints-licensing)[Website Terms of Use](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/terms-of-use)[Website Privacy Policy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/privacy-security)[Notice of Privacy Practices](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/privacy-practices)[Non-Discrimination and Availability](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/non-discrimination-notice) #### Resources [Mobile Apps](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/mobile-apps)[Podcasts](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/health-essentials) 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 \\| [800\.223.2273](tel:8002232273) \\| © 2026 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved.
Readable Markdown	You’ve got a fever, a cough and feel exhausted — symptoms that are common with [COVID-19](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21214-coronavirus-covid-19). You’d like to take an at-home test, but when you go to grab one from your medicine cabinet, you realize it’s expired. What should you do? Is it OK to still use an expired COVID-19 test? Are expired COVID-19 tests accurate? Microbiologist and pathologist [Daniel Rhoads, MD,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/26059-daniel-rhoads) explains why at-home COVID-19 tests expire and what kind of results you may get if you use one. ## Do COVID-19 tests expire? Yes. At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests expire. These [at-home tests](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-do-an-at-home-covid-test/) are used to collect a sample from inside your nose to measure it against [COVID-19 antibodies](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-it-mean-that-the-coronavirus-is-mutating/) that are stored in the testing strip. While certain parts of the at-home test kit like the swab don’t expire, there are parts like the vials of liquid and testing strips that do. “There are SARS-CoV-2-antigen-specific antibodies in the test — that’s what the test relies upon for its reliability. The antibodies in the test capture the antigen that’s part of the virus,” Dr. Rhoads explains. “So, those antibodies can go bad over time. They’re little pieces of protein, so they can deteriorate over time.” If there’s liquid in the test, it can potentially evaporate over time, which means you won’t have enough liquid volume to properly conduct the test. ## Do expired COVID-19 tests work? So, can you use an expired COVID-19 test? First, it’s important to make sure that your at-home test is actually expired. “The expiration date listed on the package might not be its actual expiration date,” notes Dr. Rhoads. “When manufacturers first released these tests, they had conservative expiration dates. As they do additional studies and demonstrate that the expiration date can be pushed back, then they can extend it. But the boxes have already been distributed, with the original expiration date already listed on it.” To check your COVID-19 test expiration date, Dr. Rhoads recommends verifying it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) [website](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests). It lists the manufacturer’s name, the name of the test and any extended expiration dates. In some cases, you can compare lot numbers from an at-home test box against the list. Many tests have had their expiration dates extended anywhere from 15 to 22 months. If you have a test that has an extended expiration date, your test should work and give you accurate results. But if you have an expired test, Dr. Rhoads says the FDA advises against using it to determine if you have COVID-19, as the results might not be accurate. ### Will an expired COVID-19 test give you a false positive? “Scientifically, it doesn’t make sense to get a false positive using an expired test,” states Dr. Rhoads. “The concern would be for you to get a false negative. If the antibodies stopped working as well, then the test might not detect the virus as well as it could when it was initially manufactured.” If you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should either use an at-home test that isn’t expired or have a [polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing) done. ## How to store your at-home COVID-19 tests You want to keep your at-home COVID-19 tests in a dry place — and keep your tests in their original packaging. “They’re usually packaged pretty well, but I’d keep them where you keep your medicines in a cool, dry place,” advises Dr. Rhoads. This is important because factors like extreme heat or cold can affect results. And you want to keep at-home tests out of reach of children and pets. Whether you want to stock up on at-home tests or get one whenever you need to test, that’s up to you. “If you feel that you want to be able to test on a moment’s notice, you should keep one on hand,” encourages Dr. Rhoads. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, [the FDA recommends](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests) testing more than once and every couple of days if using antigen tests. Knowing for sure if you have COVID-19 can help you prevent the spread of the virus to others and also help your healthcare provider select the best [COVID-19 treatment](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-treat-covid/) or management strategy for you. But overall, the best defense against severe COVID-19 is getting your vaccination and staying up to date with any [boosters recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/index.html).
Shard	143 (laksa)
Root Hash	9889140825964526943
Unparsed URL	org,clevelandclinic!health,/expired-covid-test s443