"expired" minimed infusion sets,

[grmmys]

I just found this forum while searching for info on the safety of using "expired" infusion sets.... most of the boxes have expiration dates of 2008 and 2009. It seems anything "factory sealed" would still be sterile and usable since we are dealing with plastic and tiny pieces of metal...I remember my son's diabetes educator once told us that test strips could be used after expiration date, and even insulin...but she couldn't "officially tell us that...she is T1 herself so I think that's why she was so candid with her patients...I also heard on a doc-talk show many years ago that the drug/medical gadget companies are required by law to put expiration dates on the products and many can be good for years (even over-the-counter items.... any professional or personal experience with this??? My son has not been on the pump for several years (obviously) and I'd hate to throw this stuff away!

[Elle]

grmmys wrote:

I just found this forum while searching for info on the safety of using "expired" infusion sets.... most of the boxes have expiration dates of 2008 and 2009. It seems anything "factory sealed" would still be sterile and usable since we are dealing with plastic and tiny pieces of metal...I remember my son's diabetes educator once told us that test strips could be used after expiration date, and even insulin...but she couldn't "officially tell us that...she is T1 herself so I think that's why she was so candid with her patients...I also heard on a doc-talk show many years ago that the drug/medical gadget companies are required by law to put expiration dates on the products and many can be good for years (even over-the-counter items.... any professional or personal experience with this??? My son has not been on the pump for several years (obviously) and I'd hate to throw this stuff away!

Personally, I have no problem using expired supplies. The sensors I use are from 2010 and the reservoirs from 2009 and I have never had any sort of problem. It may not technically be sterile but again I have never had any sort of infection.