The government is offering free at-home COVID tests

The government is once again offering free at-home COVID tests.

If you have saved some documents from the last issue, now is the time to check the expiration date again.

“Most over-the-counter SARS-CoV-2 tests look for the antigen found on the virus,” said Dr. Daniel Rhoads, a microbiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “This is the protein coating and antibodies are used for this. So over time, these antibodies can wear off. They can get worse. Just like the food in your cupboard has an expiration date, the tests also have an expiration date.”

Rhoads said if a person uses an expired COVID test, they risk getting a “false negative result” — even if they are actually sick.

However, the opposite applies to a “false positive result”.

If the expired test shows a positive result, it is usually correct.

Before you throw away any old tests you have lying around, Dr. Rhoads to first visit the FDA website.

The agency has created a page where you can check if your COVID test has an extended expiration date.

MORE: FDA COVID Test Information