The busier your days get, the more it pays to get busy planning.

And as respiratory illnesses start to pick up along with the fall social calendar, there’s good news: You still have a trusted testing option that can help you stick to those plans — or make an informed decision to draw up new ones.

We’ve been seeing more people reach for COVID testing, and we want to answer some of your common questions: 

Do tests work against new variants?

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed 12 tests globally to detect the virus. Our dedicated team of virus hunters works tirelessly to ensure our tests can identify various variants—from alpha to omicron, and now the latest variants of interest, KP.3 and KP.2. Our BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Tests continue to match these new variants, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

What’s the latest with BinaxNOW expiration dates?

Since the launch of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Tests, we have continued testing for product stability to extend the expiration dates when applicable. The FDA granted approval for a 22-month shelf-life extension for our Self Tests. You can double-check the expiration date of the tests you have on hand, so you know you’re getting the most reliable results.

Here’s how to check the expiration date of your test:

1.    Find the expiration date on the box. First, find the sticker on the bottom right-hand corner on the back of the box. Next to the hourglass symbol, you’ll see the listed expiration date. If the date has already passed, continue to Steps 2 and 3 to see if the expiration date has been extended by the FDA.

2.    Find the lot number on the box. The lot number is beneath the expiration date, next to the letters “LOT.”

3.   Search the lot number to find the expiration date extension. Input your lot number via our Expiration Date Look Up Tool at rapidtest.abbott/binaxnow to confirm the expiration date extension of your test.

Reminders:

• Finding the lot number is most important. If your test’s lot number appears, trust the extended expiration date, even if the printed expiration date doesn’t match.
• If your test’s lot number doesn’t appear, the test’s expiration date may not have been extended. You can recycle the box, but should dispose of the test card, nasal swab and test solution in common household waste, in line with the test’s instructions for use.

Where can I find tests?

Rapid tests are a handy tool as we keep dealing with COVID-19 — especially as we see a rise in cases as we plan gatherings with friends and loved ones.

Because of this, we continue to ensure BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Tests are available when and where you need them. You can find them online and at your local retailers, including Amazon, CVS, RiteAid, Sam’s Club, Walgreens and Walmart.

How is Abbott tracking new COVID variants?

Through the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, we have a network of research, academic and public health collaborators strategically placed around the world that are actively sequencing viruses to look for the next viral threat, including new COVID-19 variants.

Having this established network gives us a way to quickly share new information and verify our tests. This type of global collaboration is critical to fighting variants and preventing the next pandemic.

COVID testing is crucial to tackling respiratory season. It helps keep you and your family prepared for everything this fall has in store.

This story was originally published on October 23, 2023, and updated on August 27, 2024.