What happens if you get an expired rapid test kit in B.C.?

Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health haveconfirmed some British Columbiansmay have received rapid test kits that appear to be expired, but are technically still valid.

Both health authorities said in separate statements that a revised expiry date label, indicating the new extended shelf life for certain tests, was not added to some individual testkits at Lower Mainland testing sites.

So what happens if you've received one of these tests?

Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health said every rapid antigen test or RAT given out at their testing sites is deemed safe for usewithin its expiry date or amended date as determined by Health Canada.

According to Health Canada'swebsite, forkits with the reference number 256089, if the expiry date specifies the year2021, an additional10 months can be added to that date.

For example, if you have a rapid testwith a June 9, 2021 expiry date, it would still be valid for useuntil April 9, 2022.

If the expiry date specifies the year2022, users can tack on another four months. This means a productwith a Jan. 9, 2022 expiry dateactually expires May 9, 2022.

For devices withthe reference number 256082, the amended expiry date is 10 months after the date on the label.

Vancouver Coastal Healthsaid measures have been put in place to ensure all testing kits are correctly labelled going forward, and apologized for the confusion or concern the incorrect labels may have caused.

Fraser Health alsoapologized for the mix-up, and said all kits are now properly labelled withrevised expiration dates.

Rapid tests are performedusing a swab to collect a sample from each nostril, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website, whichprovides instructions for how to use each type of RAT available in the province.

If you feel unwell and are unsure about your symptoms, the BCCDC recommends usingtheSelf-Assessment Tool,contacting your health care provider or calling 8-1-1 for help.