Warning about using expired PCR tests

A warning has been issued that if PCR tests are used which are beyond their expiry date, they will be treated as void.

NHS England said recently: 'NHSE lab teams have identified a significant number of PCR tests being returned for analysis beyond their expiry dates. Whilst this does not pose any risk to individuals tested, care colleagues must make sure all tests returned to labs are in date. Any expired tests will be classed as void.

To make sure you are using valid tests and minimise the chance of further void results, it is important to always note the expiry date and use tests in the order they were received. Dispose of any expired tests and those within one week of expiry.'

We asked the Organisational-led Testing team of the UK Health Security Agency how to dispose of expired PCR tests. They replied:

'The guidance for the disposal of PCR test kits that are out of date is as follows: 

• The outer cardboard box the tests were dispatched in can be re-cycled as per your area's recycling policy.
• If you are a Care Home and/or a Hospice that provides nursing care the tests can be disposed of as healthcare waste.
• If you are a Residential Care Home, Domiciliary Care Agency, Day Centre, Independent Healthcare Provider, Extra Care and/or Supported Living Provider the tests can be disposed of as general residual (black bin bag) waste.
• If your staff have been self-testing at home either using confirmatory or priority post box PCR tests the return box can be recycled as per the areas re-cycling policy. The rest of the test can be disposed of as residual (black bin bag) waste.'

We suggest that Homecare Association members check the expiry dates of their PPE stocks regularly and develop a waste management policy for disposal which maximises recycling, where this is feasible.