Expiration dates are put on sterile medical supplies because manufacturer testing has proved the packaging is compromised = they are no longer sterile after this date.
Most medical materials (e.g., drugs, fluids, disinfectant solutions, catheters, sutures, etc.) are imprinted with an expiration date. Beyond this date, the manufacturer does not guarantee the sterility, safety, or stability of the item.
I use expired supplies in craft projects, or trash them...
Quote:
Originally Posted by micalk
Expiration dates are for liability purposes. As long as packaging is intact, contents should be fine for things like gauze. You have to look at risk-benefit for the other items. There are ammonia vials in there, and even if they went bad wouldn't be harmful to at least try. Same with disinfectant. Same with pain relievers. It may not be as effective as fresh, but the chances of it hurting you are negligible.
I read about a study where the Army (?) tested some sort of antidote (mustard gas?) that was 30 years past its expiration date and it was found to be still effective.
Reminds me of someone's sig - I'm not a doctor, but I'd be happy to take a look.
|