MSWF filter: genuine vs replacement

Last checked October 28, 2026

Either, if you pick a matching tier

The genuine GE MSWF is listed to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 at the exact model level (IAPMO).

We found 25 replacement models listed by number: 10 cover the same standards, and 14 are listed to NSF/ANSI 42 only, which covers taste and chlorine, not lead.

Verdict: either is fine if you pick a matching tier, such as AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-D, Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-P, Maxblue MB-MSWF-D and 7 more. Skip the basic tiers if you want lead reduction.

Sources: public listings read October 28, 2026, linked below. How we check.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no cost to you. It never changes a verdict. How we make money.

Your options, by listed certification

Genuine GE MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2 3 4 5 6) (read October 28, 2026)

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Top tier AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-D

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2 3) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Top tier Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-P

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Top tier Maxblue MB-MSWF-D

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Top tier Overbest OB-MSWF-D

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Top tier Waterdrop WDP-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2 3) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Mid tier AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-P

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Mid tier Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-A

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Mid tier Maxblue MB-MSWF-P

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Mid tier Overbest OB-MSWF-P

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Mid tier Waterdrop WDS-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · Lists lead reduction · NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Alpen ALF-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity not stated · No lead reduction claim listed · IAPMO R&T listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-S

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Aquarius AWF-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity not stated · No lead reduction claim listed · IAPMO R&T listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier DenaliPure WF-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Glacierfresh GF-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Listed Glacierfresh GF-MSWF PLUS

No NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 100 gal · Lists lead reduction · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2) (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Great Value SGF-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity not stated · No lead reduction claim listed · IAPMO R&T listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier INSIGNIA NS-MSWF-1

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier INSIGNIA NS-MSWF-1-C

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Maxblue MB-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Overbest OB-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Rx SGF-MSWF Rx

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity not stated · No lead reduction claim listed · IAPMO R&T listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Spring Source SS-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · IAPMO R&T listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Basic tier Waterdrop WD-MSWF

NSF/ANSI 42No NSF/ANSI 53No NSF/ANSI 401

Rated capacity 300 gal · No lead reduction claim listed · NSF listing (read October 28, 2026)

Check on Amazon

Fit note: each replacement above carries the MSWF number in its own model name, so its seller presents it as a replacement for MSWF. We did not confirm fit with the replacement makers; confirm with your manual.

Side by side

Filter	NSF/ANSI 42	53	401	Lead claim	Rated	Listing
Genuine GE MSWF	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	300 gal	IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2 3 4 5 6)
AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-D	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2 3)
Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-P	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2)
Maxblue MB-MSWF-D	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing
Overbest OB-MSWF-D	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing
Waterdrop WDP-MSWF	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2 3)
AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-P	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2)
Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing
Maxblue MB-MSWF-P	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing
Overbest OB-MSWF-P	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing
Waterdrop WDS-MSWF	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	300 gal	NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2)
AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing
Alpen ALF-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	not stated	IAPMO R&T listing
Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-S	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing
Aquarius AWF-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	not stated	IAPMO R&T listing
DenaliPure WF-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing · IAPMO R&T listing
Glacierfresh GF-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2)
Glacierfresh GF-MSWF PLUS	No	Yes	No	Yes	100 gal	IAPMO R&T listing (more files: 2)
Great Value SGF-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	not stated	IAPMO R&T listing
INSIGNIA NS-MSWF-1	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing
INSIGNIA NS-MSWF-1-C	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing
Maxblue MB-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing
Overbest OB-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing
Rx SGF-MSWF Rx	Yes	No	No	No	not stated	IAPMO R&T listing
Spring Source SS-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	IAPMO R&T listing
Waterdrop WD-MSWF	Yes	No	No	No	300 gal	NSF listing

What the tiers mean for MSWF

Most replacement brands sell the same filter shape in up to three versions with almost the same name. For MSWF we found 14 basic, 5 mid and 5 top tier models.

Basic tier, NSF/ANSI 42 only: listed for aesthetic claims such as chlorine, taste and odor. No health claims such as lead.
Mid tier, adds NSF/ANSI 53: health effect claims. Check the listing for the exact contaminants; for these models it includes lead where marked above.
Top tier, adds NSF/ANSI 401: a set of emerging compounds such as some medicines and pesticides, each named in the listing.

The model numbers differ by a letter or a suffix, so read the exact number on the box before you buy. NSF 42 vs 53 vs 401 explained.

Which refrigerators use the MSWF

162 model entries as linked by GE on its own model pages (one example, read October 28, 2026). Linked models have their own page. From GE's own product data: each model listed links this filter and no other.

GE DSF26DHWBB
GE DSHF5PGXBB
GE ESHF5MGXBB
GE GCF23KGWBB
GE GSC23KSWSS
GE GSHF5MGXBB
GE GSS25KSWSS
GE LSS25XSWSS
GE DSHF5PGXWW
GE DSHS5PGXSS
GE ESHF5MGXWW
GE ESHF6PGYBB
GE ESHF6PGYWW
GE ESHS6PGYSS
GE GCF23KGWWW
GE GSCF3PGXBB
GE GSCF3PGXWW
GE GSCS3PGXSS
GE GSHF5MGXWW
GE GSHF5PGXBB
GE GSHF5PGXWW
GE GSHF6PGYBB
GE GSHF6PGYWW
GE GSHF6PHXBB
GE GSHF6PHXWW
GE GSHL5MGXLS
GE GSHL6PHXLS
GE GSHS5MGXSS
GE GSHS5PGXSS
GE GSHS6PGYSS
GE PSHF6VGXBB
GE PSHF6VGXWW
GE Profile PCF23MGWBB
GE Profile PCF23MGWCC
GE Profile PCF23MGWWW
GE Profile PCF23NGWBB
GE Profile PCF23NGWWW
GE Profile PCF23PGWBB
GE Profile PCF23PGWWW
GE Profile PCF23RGWBB
GE Profile PCF23RGWWW
GE Profile PCF25MGWBB
GE Profile PCF25MGWCC
GE Profile PCF25MGWWW
GE Profile PCF25NGWBB
GE Profile PCF25NGWWW
GE Profile PCF25PGTBB
GE Profile PCF25PGTWW
GE Profile PCF25PGWBB
GE Profile PCF25PGWWW
GE Profile PFSF0MFZBB
GE Profile PFSS0MFCSS
GE Profile PSC23MSWSS
GE Profile PSC23NSWSS
GE Profile PSC23PSSSS
GE Profile PSC23PSTSS
GE Profile PSC23PSWSS
GE Profile PSC23SGMBS
GE Profile PSC23SGNBS
GE Profile PSC23SGPSS

Show all 162 models

GE Profile PSC23SGRSS
GE Profile PSC23SHMBS
GE Profile PSC23SHNBS
GE Profile PSC23SHTSS
GE Profile PSC25MSWSS
GE Profile PSC25NGSBB
GE Profile PSC25NSWSS
GE Profile PSC25PSWSS
GE Profile PSCF3RGXBB
GE Profile PSCF3RGXCC
GE Profile PSCF3RGXWW
GE Profile PSCF3TGXBB
GE Profile PSCF3TGXWW
GE Profile PSCF5RGXBB
GE Profile PSCF5RGXCC
GE Profile PSCF5RGXWW
GE Profile PSCF5TGXBB
GE Profile PSCF5TGXWW
GE Profile PSCF5VGXBB
GE Profile PSCF5VGXWW
GE Profile PSCS3RGXSS
GE Profile PSCS3TGXSS
GE Profile PSCS3VGXSS
GE Profile PSCS5RGXSS
GE Profile PSCS5TGXSS
GE Profile PSCS5VGXSS
GE Profile PSDF3YGXBB
GE Profile PSDF3YGXWW
GE Profile PSDF5RGXBB
GE Profile PSDF5RGXCC
GE Profile PSDF5RGXWW
GE Profile PSDF5YGXBB
GE Profile PSDF5YGXWW
GE Profile PSDS3YGXSS
GE Profile PSDS5RGXSS
GE Profile PSDS5YGXSS
GE Profile PSDW3YGXSS
GE Profile PSF23MGWBB
GE Profile PSF23MGWCC
GE Profile PSF23MGWWW
GE Profile PSF26MGWBB
GE Profile PSF26MGWCC
GE Profile PSF26MGWWW
GE Profile PSF26NGWBB
GE Profile PSF26NGWWW
GE Profile PSF26PGWBB
GE Profile PSF26PGWWW
GE Profile PSF26RGWBB
GE Profile PSF26RGWWW
GE Profile PSFW3YGXSS
GE Profile PSH23PSWSS
GE Profile PSH25MGWBV
GE Profile PSH25MGWCV
GE Profile PSH25MGWWV
GE Profile PSH25PGWBV
GE Profile PSH25PGWWV
GE Profile PSH25PSWSS
GE Profile PSHF6RGXBB
GE Profile PSHF6RGXCC
GE Profile PSHF6RGXWW
GE Profile PSHF6TGXBB
GE Profile PSHF6TGXWW
GE Profile PSHF6YGXBB
GE Profile PSHF6YGXWW
GE Profile PSHF6YGZBB
GE Profile PSHF6YGZWW
GE Profile PSHS6RGXSS
GE Profile PSHS6TGXSS
GE Profile PSHS6VGXSS
GE Profile PSHS6YGXSS
GE Profile PSHS6YGZSS
GE Profile PSHW6YGXSS
GE Profile PSHW6YGZSS
GE Profile PSI23MGWBV
GE Profile PSI23MGWCV
GE Profile PSI23MGWWV
GE Profile PSI23NGWBV
GE Profile PSI23NGWWV
GE Profile PSIC3RGXBV
GE Profile PSIC3RGXCV
GE Profile PSIC3RGXWV
GE Profile PSIC5RGXBV
GE Profile PSIC5RGXCV
GE Profile PSIC5RGXWV
GE Profile PSS23MSWSS
GE Profile PSS26MSWSS
GE Profile PSS26NSWSS
GE Profile PSS26PSWSS
GE Profile PSSF3RGXBB
GE Profile PSSF3RGXCC
GE Profile PSSF3RGXWW
GE Profile PSSF3RGZBB
GE Profile PSSF3RGZCC
GE Profile PSSF3RGZWW
GE Profile PSSS3RGXSS
GE Profile PSSS7RGXSS
GE Profile PSSS9RGXSS
GE Profile PSTW6YGXSS
GE Profile PSW23PSWSS
GE Profile PSW23RSWSS
GE Profile PSW26PSWSS
GE Profile PSW26RSWSS

Genuine MSWF specs from the maker

Maker's rated capacity	300 gallons
Maker's change interval	6 months
Maker's own claim	“Certified to reduce particulates, chlorine-resistant cysts, lead, asbestos and other contaminants”
Source	GE product page, read October 28, 2026

Questions

Is a cheap replacement MSWF filter as good as genuine?

It depends on the exact model. Of the 25 replacements we found, 14 are listed to NSF/ANSI 42 only. Top tier models such as AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-D, Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-P and 3 more are listed to 42, 53 and 401. The genuine filter is listed to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53.

Does the MSWF filter remove lead?

The genuine filter's NSF/ANSI 53 listing includes lead reduction. Among replacements, 11 of 25 list lead reduction.

Where do these certification facts come from?

From the public NSF, IAPMO R&T and WQA listings, searched by the exact model number, with the read date shown. A second, separate lookup confirmed each row before publishing. We never call a filter certified unless the listing names that exact model.

Sources

IAPMO listing for GE MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/18905 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-D: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AQF-MSWF-D&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-D: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19603 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-P: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AMZN-MSWF-P&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-P: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19604 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Maxblue MB-MSWF-D: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=MB-MSWF-D&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Overbest OB-MSWF-D: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=OB-MSWF-D&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Waterdrop WDP-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=WDP-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Waterdrop WDP-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19603 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-P: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AQF-MSWF-P&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF-P: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19603 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-A: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AMZN-MSWF-A&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Maxblue MB-MSWF-P: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=MB-MSWF-P&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Overbest OB-MSWF-P: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=OB-MSWF-P&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Waterdrop WDS-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=WDS-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Waterdrop WDS-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19603 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for AQUA CREST AQF-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AQF-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Alpen ALF-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19573 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Amazon Basics AMZN-MSWF-S: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AMZN-MSWF-S&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Aquarius AWF-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19573 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for DenaliPure WF-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=WF-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for DenaliPure WF-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19859 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Glacierfresh GF-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19550 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Glacierfresh GF-MSWF PLUS: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19606 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Great Value SGF-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19573 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for INSIGNIA NS-MSWF-1: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=NS-MSWF-1&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for INSIGNIA NS-MSWF-1-C: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=NS-MSWF-1-C&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Maxblue MB-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=MB-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Overbest OB-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=OB-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Rx SGF-MSWF Rx: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/19573 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
IAPMO listing for Spring Source SS-MSWF: http://myplc.iapmo.org/certificate#/20165 (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF listing for Waterdrop WD-MSWF: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=WD-MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026, second check October 28, 2026)
NSF search for MSWF, no listing found: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=MSWF&submit3=Search (read October 28, 2026)
WQA search for MSWF, no listing found: https://find.wqa.org/find-products (keyword search) (read October 28, 2026)
GE product page: https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/spec/MSWF (read October 28, 2026)

Spot an error? Report it and we freeze the row until it is rechecked.