Early lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive

[BumRushDaShow]

24. Some do

but not all. I know we had some that stayed in a hood and others in a walk-in fridge, and still others in a "bomb-proof" storage room in the basement of our building (e.g., stuff like ether, which was kept in metal cans). Also had chained gas tanks down near the loading dock in a special caged area.

These are supposed to be "cheap" (in a relative sense) consumer test kits that are not even expected to be disposed of as "hazardous" or "medical waste", so with the caveat of businesses thinking "planned obsolescence" = more $$$, I don't think they put that much thought in long-term storage.

And no, this is not a "CYA" maneuver by FDA. It's based on the fact that if a firm supplies data that shows that their test kits are still viable and continue to provide a similar range of detectability beyond the original expected period of time, then the agency will accept and announce the extension. Otherwise they will allow the tests to "expire" upon the date on the package. It's as simple as that.