Pregnancy tests are often one of the first tools used when someone suspects they may be pregnant. Whether you’re trying to conceive or unexpectedly skipping a period, these over-the-counter tests offer quick answers from the comfort of your home. But many people don’t realize that pregnancy tests can—and do—expire. If you’ve found an old test in your bathroom drawer, you may be wondering if it still works. This article explores everything you need to know about pregnancy test expiration dates and their impact on accuracy.
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Understanding How Pregnancy Tests Work
To understand why expiration dates matter, it’s important to first understand how a pregnancy test functions. Most home pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. The levels of hCG rise rapidly in early pregnancy, and tests are designed to respond to even small amounts of this hormone.
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Pregnancy tests use chemically treated strips or pads that react with hCG. When you urinate on the test, a chemical reaction occurs. If hCG is present in your urine, the test will display a positive result—usually through a line, symbol, or digital message.
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Yes, Pregnancy Tests Expire
Like many medical products, pregnancy tests have a shelf life. Most come with an expiration date printed on the box and the wrapper of each individual test. This expiration date is typically two to three years from the date of manufacture, depending on the brand and type.
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After the expiration date, the chemical reagents in the test may degrade or become less effective. This degradation can impact the test’s ability to detect hCG accurately, leading to incorrect results.
Why the Expiration Date Matters
The chemicals inside a pregnancy test are carefully formulated to be sensitive and specific to hCG. Over time, exposure to air, humidity, and temperature changes can cause these chemicals to break down. Even if the test looks intact and unused, it may no longer be reliable.
Using an expired pregnancy test increases the risk of:
- False negatives (you’re pregnant but the test says you’re not)
- False positives (you’re not pregnant but the test shows a positive)
- Invalid results (no clear result appears)
How to Check the Expiration Date
Always check the expiration date before using a pregnancy test. You can usually find it:
- On the outside of the box
- On each individual test wrapper
- In the instruction leaflet
If the expiration date has passed, it’s best to discard the test and use a new one to ensure accurate results.
Can You Trust an Expired Test?
Technically, an expired test might still “work,” but the results aren’t guaranteed to be accurate. Some people report getting correct results from expired tests, but there’s no way to verify reliability without laboratory conditions. When it comes to something as important as a potential pregnancy, it’s not worth the risk of misinterpretation.
If cost or access is a concern, many clinics and health centers offer free or low-cost pregnancy testing with up-to-date kits.
Storage Matters, Too
Even unexpired tests can give faulty results if they’ve been stored improperly. Pregnancy tests should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Bathrooms, which are often warm and humid, are not always ideal storage locations.
Avoid using a test that shows signs of damage, such as:
- Broken seals or packaging
- Discoloration or warping
- Faded lines on the result window before use
Proper storage helps ensure the chemical components stay active until the expiration date.
Tips for Accurate Results
To maximize the accuracy of any pregnancy test, whether brand-new or nearing its expiration:
1. Use First Morning Urine
hCG levels are most concentrated in the morning, especially in early pregnancy. Using your first morning urine can improve the chances of detecting pregnancy.
2. Follow Instructions Carefully
Each brand has specific directions for usage and result timing. Don’t guess—read the instructions thoroughly and follow the recommended wait time before reading the result.
3. Time Your Test
Testing too early can lead to a false negative, even with a valid, non-expired test. Wait until at least the first day of your missed period for the most reliable results. Some early detection tests can work a few days sooner, but accuracy increases as hCG levels rise.
4. Take a Second Test If Unsure
If you get an unclear result—or suspect the test might be expired—take another one using a new, in-date test. You can also confirm your results with a blood test at a healthcare provider’s office.
What to Do After a Positive or Negative Result
If your test is positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy and begin prenatal care.
If your test is negative but you still suspect you might be pregnant, retest in a few days or consult your doctor. Hormone levels vary from person to person and can affect when a test becomes accurate.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Even if you’re using a new and properly stored test, it’s wise to contact a healthcare provider if:
- Your period is late and tests are still negative
- You experience symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue)
- You have irregular cycles and aren’t sure when to test
- You see unusual bleeding or pain
Healthcare providers can conduct more sensitive and accurate testing and help guide you through next steps, regardless of the result.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy tests are convenient and reliable tools—but only when used correctly and within their expiration date. Using an expired test increases the risk of misleading results, which can cause confusion and emotional distress. To ensure the most accurate answer, always check the expiration date, store the test properly, and follow the instructions closely.
If you ever doubt a result or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. They can offer clarity, confirm your results, and support your next steps on the journey to pregnancy—or peace of mind.
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Ella
Ella Richter, MD, MPH, is a public health consultant and obstetrician-gynecologist with more than 10 years of experience in medicine. Her features and personal essays on parenting and women's health have appeared in The Washington Post's On Parenting, Real Simple, Women's Health, The Writer, Today's Parent, and Romper, among others.
