Diane

[Diane]

What is everyone doing with all their out dates. We use to package them for when one of our OR staff goes on mission trips but now she tells me that they can no longer take out dated items. It's a shame to throw all of these things in the trash. :confused:

[djw]

Some of our outdates go to be reprocessed. These are items that may have come in a package that had meds that outdated, and so the other items in the kits are still fine once re-sterilized. Most of our outdated items still go to a volunteer that is in charge of different missions by several groups. The items she can't or won't use we donate to the humane society or other animal rescue groups. At least most of it doesn't end up in the trash. :)

[debbie]

If you have a local college that teaches a surgical tech program or the SPD course they are usually happy to get these items for training or practice. I also give them my instruments that are unrepairable or at the end of the useful life cycle (sharpened to many times).

[sonny1388]

both good suggestions. I have also learned that most companies will exchange items if they are at least 12 months out from thier expiration, expecially suture and ortho implantables. We just got a letter from Ethicon confirming that this is an option with them. Still, some things get overlooked until they are expired, and we take these items to materials management who sends them somewhere where they can still be used (Third World?). If you want, I will try to get the shipping info from them.

[sonny1388]

Here is that address. I was informed that they like to be notified by telephone when something is being shipped to them:

American Medical Resources
36 Station Ave.
Brockton, MA 02401

tele:
(508)580-3301

[jrc]

When you donate expired supplies to charitable organizations, be sure to get an itemized receipt. Just as when you donate stuff to Goodwill, your organization can take a tax deduction for its charitable contributions. If your organization is non-profit, the information can help justify its tax-exempt status. Our hospital publishes an annual Community Impact Report that shows how much we donate.