When to use a COVID-19 rapid screening test

It is recommended that you use a rapid test as soon as possible if you have COVID-19 symptoms and:

• You have never had COVID-19
• You are eligible for Paxlovid^TM treatment;
• You are in contact with vulnerable people.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can also use a rapid test to find out if they have COVID-19.

The shelf lives (expiry dates) for rapid tests have been amended by Health Canada.

• Most rapid tests can be kept and used for 24 months after their manufacturing dates.
• However, BD Veritor^TM rapid tests can be kept and used for 16 months after their manufacturing dates.
• The manufacturing date is indicated on each test box next to the code MFG.

Expired rapid tests can be thrown in the garbage. The instruction sheets and cardboard boxes can be put in your recycling bin.