Yes, normal saline has a shelf life of 2 years. However, expiry date depends on storage condition and whether it is opened or sealed. Opened normal saline will go bad after 24 hours due to contamination from bacteria in the environment.
Normal saline should not be considered an antiseptic. It has an expiration date. That’s because once it’s opened, it’s no longer sterile.
Closed 0.9% Sodium Chloride has a longer shelf life. Since the plastic containing normal saline is permeable, you have about 24 months from the date of purchase. After that, tiny airborne particles will have entered, leaving you with a dusty, unsterile saline solution.
How long does opened normal saline last? I talked to a nurse and in the hospital in Melbourne, Australia and their protocol is to discard normal saline 24hrs after opening.
How long does normal saline last once opened?
Normal saline once opened should last 24 hours. Even though with proper storage it can last up to 30 days, normal saline loses its sterility quickly and should be used fast. Since it is usually labeled a single-use product, use the solution immediately after opening and discard leftover.
Normal saline will no longer be sterile after being exposed to the environment. After the first 1 month of opening, the chance of contamination increases even more. If you have acne or open skin, it’s recommended not to use outdated saline solution to clean your wounds or face because it can promote infection.
There are no extra components or additives such as preservatives or germicides in sterile saline solution. As a result, once expose to the environment, you can be certain that the saline solution is no longer sterile.
Still undecided?
If you’re not certain about this answer, here is what you should do.
I recommend contacting a medical expert, such as a pharmacist or your primary care physician. Information obtained from the internet should be regarded with caution.
Can I Use Expired Normal Saline?
No, you should not use normal saline that has expired. The 0.9 percent saline solution has been known to support significant growth of potentially harmful bacteria. When dealing with these types of solutions, I urge careful adherence to appropriate nursing safety standards. The risk of becoming ill is too high to be ignored for a product that can be replaced for a few dollars.
Once opened but closed bottle may restrict or limit bacterial growth, but it also does not prevent it. Once you’ve opened normal saline, you should consider it a single use item.
After the expiration date printed on it has passed, avoid using it.
If you use it after the expiration date, it may have no effect or have an altogether unexpected impact.
If you use it after the expiration date, it may have no effect or have an altogether unexpected impact.
How To Tell If Normal Saline Has Expired
If the packaging is broken or exhibits signs of tampering, do not use Sodium Chloride Irrigation Solution.
If the solution isn’t clear and the seal isn’t broken, don’t use it. It has probably gone bad.
Should normal saline be refrigerated?
Yes, normal saline can be refrigerated. Other IV fluids should be kept out of the refrigerator and stored in a dry location. More information on storage of sterile fluids will be indicated on their labels.
Read on for how the solution is stored.
Can normal saline be frozen?
Yes, normal saline can be frozen but it should be cooled gradually. The solution remains potent even at lower temperatures below 0° C. Sometimes this happens at temperatures about -7° C before it freezes
How Do You Store Normal Saline?
Normal saline can be stored at room temperature 25°C/77°F. Extremely hot storage conditions will destroy the effectiveness of the fluid.
A study published in Hospital Pharmacy stored normal saline at three different temperatures (low, room temperature, and high) for 199 days. Their results showed that there was no difference in stability and sterility of all the normal saline samples. So, you can store the 0.9% sodium chloride solution at any temperature except above 42° C