Expired saline?

[Sayo605]

I have a couple bags of saline that expired about a month ago, they look to be fine still, but wondering if anyone has any experience using expired saline. Is it safe to use still?

[sydblowjob]

Would not recommend. Not a medical professional, but why put an expiration date on something thats being injected to people's bodies?

[mRuss]

I've used supplies that were a month past expiry and I've had no problems. It's a choice you have to make on your own.

Supplies aren't so expensive that you have to use old solutions. Don't feel pressured to use them.

[midwestchub]

It may also not be the expiration of the solution, but the packaging. Or, it's there because the supplier wants hospitals to buy more. I can't really think of a way saline can spoil.

[Texshooter]

I donate my expired bags to a Vet clinic for use on dogs and cats.

[Opie]

Saline expiration date is in month/year NOT month/day

[Squirrel]

Saline is just water and salt. It doesn't break down over time. The only real potential risks are...

- Potential contamination from the packaging over time.
- super long storage may allow the salt to crystallize. Shake the bag up really well a couple hours before infusion if you're afraid of this.
- Non-recommended storage temperatures which could promote bacterial growth. This shouldn't be an issue if the bag is unused and has been properly stored.

I use expired bags regularly since I buy in bulk to save on costs. I've never had a complication that I even considered potentially related to age. I've also bought glucose specifically marketed as for veterinary use and have had no problems there either.

[john-sydney]

Best bet is to use before it expires and enjoy the fun!

[MasonBall]

What about expired dextrose? My supplier has a deal 2$/500ml