STI MOLECULAR KITS – EXPIRY DATE

This notice is a reminder to please check expiry dates on STI Molecular Kits stock.

Over the past week there have been numerous STI specimens received in the laboratory with expiry date 25/02. This has caused the specimen to be rejected, resulting in a recollect of specimen for the patient.

The introduction of automated equipment has highlighted a new finding for Pathlab. The new BD COR cannot process expired STI tubes, as the barcode reader indentifies the expiry date resulting in the analyser not accepting the specimen.

Pathlab request: o expiry dates of current stock of STI Molecular kits are checked. o any expired stock is to be discarded or returned to Pathlab for disposal. o review the volume of kits ordered to minimise wastage.

Expiry Date location on STI Molecular Kits

Swab Kit

Urine Tube

Specimen Container Expiry Dates

There has been an historic understanding that some specimen containers can be used for a short timeframe beyond the expiry date - this is no longer an acceptable practice.

If you have any queries regarding whether an expired collection container can be used, please contact Pathlab for clarification in the first instance

Murray Robinson

Vicki Clayton Lead of Speciality, Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics Purchasing Manager

Please ensure all members of your institution receive a copy of this clinical update.