CLEVELAND — After receiving a tip from a viewer letting us know a test she picked up from the Cuyahoga County Public Library was expired, News 5 looked into the issue to see if other tests were expired and what someone should do if they get one.
Earlier this week, the Ohio Department of Health purchased $2 million at-home tests to make COVID-19 testing more accessible at local libraries.
The state department is now clarifying that back in May, all tests were extended by three months from the expiration date printed on the back of the box.
In a statement, the Ohio Department of Health said "The shelf life on some Abbott BinaxNOW tests has been extended to 12 months (the impacted packages were originally marked with a 9-month expiration date)"
The ODH was made aware of the concern and promptly worked with providers to make sure there’s clear guidance about the extended dates so they can assist those with the free at-home testing.
If you had any issues with an unopened test kit you were told was expired, you can safely use that test today.
But if you opened the test kit, do not use it.
You can go back to your local library or health department to get a new, free test.
You can also call eMed customer service at 1-866-955-1173 to request a new test.
RELATED: How to get a free rapid at-home COVID-19 test through your local library
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