Complete List of LaMotte Reagents and How to Determine Reagent Manufacture and Expiration Dates
The majority of LaMotte reagents have an expiration date printed on the label. Knowing the expiration date can prevent wasting reagents and avoid using reagents that are long past their shelf-life but are presumed to be acceptable because they have only recently been opened.
If the expiration date is not printed on the label, it can be calculated from the reagent lot number. On the lower edge of the label for each LaMotte reagent is a six (sometimes seven) digit lot number. The first two digits of the lot number identify the week of manufacture. The third digit identifies the last number in the year of manufacture. For example, a reagent with a lot number of 4951222 was manufactured the 49thweek of the year 2015. A reagent with the lot number of 2941222 was manufactured the 29th week of the year 2014.
The lot number found on each reagent bottle and the Reagent Shelf-Life Chart (below) are used to determine the reagent expiration date. This expiration date can then be marked on the label or on a data sheet. Awareness of the reagent expiration date will enable the user to plan refill orders as well as ensure reliable and accurate test results.
If the shelf life of the reagent is unknown, one year from the date of manufacture is a good rule of thumb.
To determine the expiration date of a reagent:
- Determine the week of manufacture from the reagent label as explained above.
- Find the reagent code number on the reagent label.
- Consult the Reagent Shelf-Life Chart to determine the reagent shelf life for that reagent.
- Add the shelf life to the week of manufacture.
Example: The first three digits of the lot number on the label are 255 so the manufacture date is the 25th week of the year 2015. According to the Reagent Shelf-Life Chart, Code 2202 has a shelf life of 2 years. So the reagent is good until the 25thweek of the year 2017 (25thweek of 2015 + 2 years = 25thweek of 2017).
Reagent Storage Guidelines
Reagents should be stored at room temperature (22°C) and away from heat, humidity, moisture, direct sunlight and cold conditions. The storage temperature should be kept as constant as possible, without large fluctuations in temperature. Reagents should not be kept refrigerated, unless specified otherwise in the kit instructions or packing literature for the reagents. Reagents should not be stored in vehicles, utility rooms, pool and pump houses, or other environments where conditions may be harsh. Exposure to such conditions will compromise the quality and stability of reagents and shorten the reagent shelf life.
Reagent Shelf-Life Chart
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