Do expired pregnancy tests work? Here’s what to know

You’re standing in your bathroom, holding a pregnancy test you found in the back of a drawer. The clock says it’s late, the store is closed, and curiosity – and a little or a lot of anxiety – is building. But then you see it – there’s a date on the back of the pack. Now you’re wondering, do expired pregnancy tests work? And is it really that big of a deal?

Whether you’re trying to conceive or actively avoiding pregnancy, we know here on team TRB that taking a test can feel like a make-or-break moment. 

So, let’s take a calm, clear look at what it actually means if your test is out of date – so you can take your next steps with confidence.

Do pregnancy tests expire?

Yes, pregnancy tests do expire. Most come with a shelf life of around two to three years from their manufacture date, and after that, they’re not guaranteed to give accurate results.

You’ll usually find the expiration date printed on the box and on each individual wrapper. If you’re unsure whether a test is still good to use, check there first. It’s always worth taking an extra second to read the small print.

Do pregnancy tests go out of date?

Yes, pregnancy tests do go out of date – and this is essentially the same thing as expiring. Whether you’re buying a test online or grabbing one from a pharmacy shelf, make sure to check how far out the expiration date is. The longer the shelf life remaining, the better.

Do digital pregnancy tests expire?

Yes, digital pregnancy tests also expire. While the technology might look more advanced – complete with digital screens and “yes” or “no” displays—they still rely on the same basic chemical reaction to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine.

One thing to note with digital tests – because they often cost more, we know it can feel so tempting to hold onto them “just in case.” But unfortunately, the price tag doesn’t protect against expiration.

Why do pregnancy tests expire?

Pregnancy tests detect hCG using chemicals called antibodies, which are designed to bind with the hormone and trigger a result. But over time, those antibodies can break down or become less effective.

Here’s why expired tests are less reliable:

1. Chemical breakdown – The active ingredients lose potency over time, reducing the test’s ability to detect hCG.
   
2. Reduced sensitivity – Older tests may need higher levels of hCG to show a positive result, increasing the chance of a false negative.
   
3. Degraded materials – The paper strip or digital components can become less responsive, resulting in faulty readings or error messages.

In a nutshell, the science behind a pregnancy test is time-sensitive. And that’s why it has an expiry date.

When do pregnancy tests expire?

Pregnancy tests usually expire two to three years after the manufacture date. You can find the exact expiration date on the packaging.

But here’s the catch. That window assumes the test has been stored properly, in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture. 

So if you’ve kept a test in your car’s glove box or a humid bathroom cabinet (we’ve been there on both counts), it could degrade more quickly.

Do expired pregnancy tests work?

Here’s the honest answer: sometimes. An expired pregnancy test might still work, but there’s no way to know for sure.

It could give you a correct result. But it could also give you a false positive, a false negative, or a result that’s faint and hard to read. That uncertainty is exactly what you want to avoid when taking a test that carries emotional and practical weight.

So, will an out of date pregnancy test work? Maybe. But should you trust one? Definitely not.

Do expired pregnancy tests give false positives?

Yes, expired pregnancy tests can give false positives. When a pregnancy test expires, the chemicals on the strip may behave unpredictably. That means they might show a second line even if hCG isn’t present – or interpret a faint, unrelated chemical change as a positive result.

This kind of false positive can be incredibly confusing. If you’ve had one, you’re not alone – it’s more common than most people realize. If there’s ever doubt, follow up with a new, in-date test or speak with a healthcare provider.

Do expired pregnancy tests give false negatives?

Yes, and in fact, false negatives may be even more likely. As the test degrades, its sensitivity to hCG declines. That means even if your body is producing the hormone, the test might not be able to detect it – especially in the early days of pregnancy when hCG levels are still on the lower side.

A false negative can give you false reassurance and delay the support or next steps you might need. That’s why it’s important not to rely on an expired test if the result really matters.

The bottom line? 

An expired pregnancy test might seem like a go – especially when you’re waiting after embryo transfer or in a pinch – but the reality is, it just can’t offer the reliability you deserve in such an important moment. 

Whether you’re hoping for a yes or a no, what matters most is knowing the result is accurate.

Here’s how to stay prepared and avoid second-guessing your results:

• Keep one or two in-date pregnancy tests at home, ideally with a long shelf life remaining.
• Check the expiration date before you buy, especially if you’re purchasing online or in bulk.
• Store tests in a cool, dry place, think bedroom drawer – not bathroom cabinet.
• Resist the urge to use an expired test, no matter how tempting it is in the moment.

In the end, it’s about trusting what the test tells you. And that trust starts with knowing the test itself is still going to work. 

Because when it comes to your body and your choices, you want clarity.

Next on your reading list: How early can you take a pregnancy test – and get an accurate result?