Sterility & Shelf Life - Sterile Products
Products made by SCHS are Gamma radiated to achieve sterility.
Stored under dry conditions and not in direct sunlight, sterile products (specifically the packaging) have a shelf life of five years.
Manufacture and expiration dates can be determined from the batch number:
- Batch numbers beginning with a 2, for example 2906-110, indicate this product was manufactured in 2009 (2906-110) in June (2906-110).
- Batch numbers beginning with a 1, for example 1305-219, indicate this product was manufactured in 2013 (1305-219) in May (1305-219).
Sterile imported products, namely Eagle brand opthamalogical devices have the expiration date printed on the shelf packaging.
Non-sterile Products
Non sterile products are packed in a clean environment and presented as suitable for use in operating theatre environments.
Storage of these devices should be the same as for most medical products not requiring special storage conditions, specifically not in direct sunlight.
Shelf life under normal storage conditions is five years.
Manufacture and expiration dates can be determined from the batch number:
- Batch number 131148 indicates this product was manufactured in 2013 (131148) in November (131148). Adding a shelf life of 5 years means this product will expires November 2018.