Pill testing kit shelf life

[TheBeastMaster]

Howdy peeps - quick question - what is the shelf life of these kits and where should they be stored? I seem to be getting inconsistent results from mine - it is well over 2 years old and has been stored in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.

 

[djfriendly]

2 years + inconsistent results = time for a new testing kit. Keep the bottles tightly closed and in the fridge if possible.

 

[phase_dancer]

Both Marquis and Simons reagents are light sensitive and should therefore be kept in the dark.

Marquis should be kept at ~4 deg C (but not with food).

Mandelin is best stored at room temp (ideally ~10-35 deg C)

Marquis should last over 12 months if stored appropriately. If the solution turns a dark yellow, it should be discarded.

 

[itwasntme]

Hmm, a fridge is usually colder than 10-35 degree's C. SWIM has always just stuck the lot in the fridge... Is this a major problem?

 

[phase_dancer]

Shouldn't be a problem really, although Mandelin can have a tendency to produce a precipitate if too cold. This doesn't usually affect results though.

 

[xtimex]

I've had my kits for well over 2 years with no problems up until now. I've always stored them in their plastic bottles they came in, wrapped in toliet tissue around the actual vials. Then put into a small leather bag in the back of the closet. All solutions are good but I've noticed my Simons being weird. When I pour the solution out it has these crystal/reflective pieces that are in the solution itself. It still works, but produces these weird crystals. So I'm thinking it's pretty much going south. Hey, it's lasted over 2 years and tested many pills, plus my other solutions are in perfect order. Couldn't ask for more.

I was just thinking that I test many of pills and still have half the solution and it's been many years. Most people's solution I would think would go bad before they used the whole vial up. Why not cut the amount of solution in half and slash the prices. That away you'd have to be a fool not to purchase something so cheap. Anyways, just rambling some thoughts..


time