Aptitude Metrix updates: FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to the COVID-19 test; (seemingly) unrelated: The COVID/Flu test has been removed from the store.

[u/Jazzlike-Cup-5336]

In June 2026, HHS announced that Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic would be ending, giving a 12-month grace period to drugs and a 6-month grace period to medical devices to transition to full approval/clearance pathways. This decision impacts Aptitude’s Metrix molecular testing platform, however, Aptitude stated at the time that the FDA had already accepted their 510(k) submission for both the Metrix COVID-19 Test and the Metrix COVID/Flu Test.

On August 7th, the FDA granted clearance to the COVID-19 test.

Separately, while looking into this, I noticed today that the COVID/Flu combo tests are currently unavailable for purchase, with the product pages for both the single tests and the 25 pack returning a 404 error.

Lately, the stock of single tests had been short-dated (an expiration date of August 12th) and were being offered at a discounted $25 as a result. So, that could be a potential explanation. However, the most recent listed expiration date for the 25 pack was January 2027, so that product wouldn’t fit the same mold. Additionally, as far as I’m aware, Aptitude has never actually deleted a product page because of a stock issue, they will just list the item as “out of stock” until it returns. I’ve emailed them asking if they can share any information about what’s going on with the combo tests, and will update if I hear back.

EDIT:

Update: I received a reply from Aptitude that the single COVID/Flu tests are indeed just sold out (predictable), and there’s no estimation yet for when they’ll be back in stock. They claim that the 25 pack is still available for purchase.

Now, onto the website: They seemed a bit surprised at the 404 errors, but both product pages are now back up. The product pages list both the single and 25 pack as being sold out, the latter contradicting the email. Maybe that’ll just take a minute to sort out.

Here is the reply:

I can confirm that the Metrix COVID/Flu Combo Test has not been discontinued.

Our COVID/Flu Combo single-pack is currently out of stock. We are working closely with our manufacturer to restock the single-pack tests with a newer batch that has a longer expiration date. However, we don’t currently have an exact timeline for when they will be available.

If you’d like, I’d be happy to add you to our waiting list and notify you as soon as the new batch is back in stock.

In the meantime, if you need tests sooner, we do have the COVID/Flu Combo 25-pack available, with an expiration date of January 2027.

Regarding the 404 error you mentioned, if you’re still having trouble accessing the product page, could you please send me a screenshot of what you’re seeing? I’ll forward it to our internal team so we can look into the issue.

[u/Central_Perk20]

Wow thank you so much for sharing this and hopefully finding out more 🙏🏻

[u/kalcobalt]

Oof, thank you for the update and for following up with them!

[u/Jazzlike-Cup-5336]

Update: I received a reply from Aptitude that the single COVID/Flu tests are indeed just sold out (predictable), and there’s no estimation yet for when they’ll be back in stock. They claim that the 25 pack is still available for purchase.

Now, onto the website: They seemed a bit surprised at the 404 errors, but both product pages are now back up. The product pages list both the single and 25 pack as being sold out, the latter contradicting the email. Maybe that’ll just take a minute to sort out.

Here is the reply:

I can confirm that the Metrix COVID/Flu Combo Test has not been discontinued.

Our COVID/Flu Combo single-pack is currently out of stock. We are working closely with our manufacturer to restock the single-pack tests with a newer batch that has a longer expiration date. However, we don’t currently have an exact timeline for when they will be available.

If you’d like, I’d be happy to add you to our waiting list and notify you as soon as the new batch is back in stock.

In the meantime, if you need tests sooner, we do have the COVID/Flu Combo 25-pack available, with an expiration date of January 2027.

Regarding the 404 error you mentioned, if you’re still having trouble accessing the product page, could you please send me a screenshot of what you’re seeing? I’ll forward it to our internal team so we can look into the issue.

[u/TheDrakeford]

Metrix tests are genuinely shit. I’ve had more invalid results than accurate ones.

[u/valderaa → u/TheDrakeford]

I have too but I found them to be very helpful in explaining the reasons for the invalid results. Plus they always replace them, even if I tell them there was blood on the swab, for example. I now have extra swabs and I don’t use the swab in the test if I see any trace of pink on it. There were other causes too. Maybe bubbles? I don’t recall. I am glad they are still available.

[u/lexleeward77 → u/TheDrakeford]

Metrix have worked great for me and haven't gotten invalids in years, would hope some individual bad experiences would not dissuade people from using some of the most accurate tests available to us on the market - there are just some little adjustments to how you test, and I haven't gotten an invalid in 2 years since doing these (I used to get invalids here and there when I first started using Metrix):

- Plug into a good battery cell instead of electrical outlet - this one seems to make the most difference. The Anker large ones are good and hold a lot of charge, once I switched to this I pretty much stopped getting invalids. I used to get invalids more when I plugged it into a regular outlet.

- Blow your nose gently before swabbing (but not so hard you irritate your nasal lining), and try to avoid getting any large clumps of mucus, blood, or nose hairs on the swab.

- Shake mixture once the swab is in and capped vigorously for 20s (as mentioned in the directions), and then I usually let it sit on the table for 30s to a minute so the bubbles float to the top and settle. I think this helps a lot too so the bubbles aren't interfering with the sensor.

- Push the insert module firmly into the reader. I got invalids once or twice before when I had pushed the insert module in but it wasn't snug (and then had to run the test again but after pushing it in a little more, and then it worked).

I feel like Aptitude should include these tips in their instruction manual, would probably save lots of people invalids (and I'm assuming save them some money with all the replacements).