LaMotte Reagent Refills and Shelf Life

Complete List of LaMotte Reagents and How to Determine Reagent Manufacture and Expiration Dates

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. The majority of LaMotte reagents have an expiration date printed on the label. If you can’t find the expiration date then the lot number can also be helpful.

If the expiration date is not printed on the label, it can be calculated from the reagent lot number. A lot number records the date of manufacture and identifies the reagent as part of a specific batch of reagent produced on that date and is printed on each LaMotte reagent label. The first digit of the lot number identifies the year, and the next three digits identify the day of manufacture. The remaining digits are internal tracking information. For example, a reagent with a lot number of 026508 was manufactured the 265th day of the year 2020. A reagent with the lot number of 0073114 was manufactured the 73rd day of the year 2020.

The information provided by the lot number on the reagent label and the Reagent Shelf-Life Chart (see 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:

1. Determine the day of manufacture from the reagent label as explained above.
2. Find the reagent code number on the reagent label.
3. Consult the Reagent Shelf-Life Chart to determine the reagent shelf life for that reagent.
4. Add the shelf life to the day of manufacture.

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