Usually, povidone-iodine swabs can not be used after the expiration date, they may be invalid or contaminated, and can not work as a disinfectant and sterilizer.
Povidone-iodine swabs should be used within the expiration date. Using them after the expiration date not only fails to achieve the effect of sterilization and bacteriostasis, but also may increase the risk of infection, so make sure that they are within the expiration date before use.
Iodophor is widely used in the clinic for the disinfection of skin and mucous membranes, with bactericidal and antibacterial effects. Medical iodophor swabs are composed of iodophor-containing cotton balls and plastic rods, and the iodophor-containing cotton balls are made of cotton balls impregnated with povidone-iodine solution and have the characteristics of being independently packaged and ready to be disassembled and used.
When using povidone-iodine swabs, people who are allergic to iodine should be cautious, do not use one swab to disinfect two parts, do not touch the eyes, do not insert into the ear canal.