From North Central Oklahoma Ostomy Outlook April 2011:

Proper Care & Storage of Ostomy Supplies

from an article by Teresa Murphy-Stowers, Fort Worth, TX; via Dallas (TX) Ostomatic News

Ostomy supplies are not inexpensive, to say the least. So, it is important to understand how to apply them properly with the fewest errors possible and equally important to know how to take care of and store supplies until use. Proper care may avert the need to discard unused supplies and thus be as economical as possible.

• Be sure to read carefully the instruction sheet included in the box or guidelines on the container for specific recommendations for a given product.
• Generally, all ostomy supplies should be stored in a cool, dry location. Too much heat can melt or weaken many of the materials used in ostomy wafers, pouches, and accessory items. Avoid leaving supplies in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
• Review instructions periodically to refresh your memory and to see if any recommendations have changed over time.
• Keep supplies such as wafers and pouches in their original box. By doing so, you save the brand name, product identification number, and the lot and date information for those items. Perhaps you will never need this information, but in the event you do, the box you have saved will provide the information you (or someone helping you) will need for reorder or to report any quality control problems.
• Some ostomy supplies do have a “shelf life.” Be sure to check for dates that may be recorded on their containers. If you find you have a box with an expired date, check with the manufacturer, your local supplier, or an Ostomy nurse for advice on usage.
• While you do want to keep a “stock” of supplies so you are always prepared to change out your system, avoid the practice of stockpiling too much so your reserve will be as fresh as possible. This, of course, depends on factors such as the availability, proximity to a local supply house, or shipping issues.
• Purchase supplies from a trusted vendor—one you know will provide good service as well as stock/ship current stock.

Reporting Defective supplies

• If you determine your supplies are defective in spite of proper use and storage, contact the manufacturer at their toll free number to report the problem and receive product replacement or adjustment.
• Let your supply source know of your report to the manufacturer. They need to be aware of problems; however, the complaint needs to be directed to the manufacturer to ensure the defect can be addressed.

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