Would there be any issues with using a expired bottle top filter?

I've been browsing on ebay and found a few listings for expired millipore bottletop filters. The discount is pretty decent. I was wondering do you guys think there would any issues with using them? Obviously they are still factory sealed. But i'm not sure expiration works with sterility products. Unlike with medications where they are still good after the expiration. Can this be said for these bottle top filters as well?

They expire because the membrane they are packed in starts to seep through material. Just like the coke bottles that breathe. They let stuff out but not in.
Depends on how expired they are and what kind. PTFE expired filters I have used for months after with no issues.

Generally, unless it's been *years*, you should normally be fine - the sterilization process is quite effective. Also, the membrane itself still works, so in a *worst* case, do a wipe down of the coupler/fill are with ipa 70%, filter some product through, collect, and return to the filter, that way the underside of the filter membrane has been washed out by material that has passed *through* the filter (if it's a 0.2/0.22 micron, that liquid will be sterile)

All the people I dealt with in the past that sold irradiated plastic lab ware in sealed packages said they had to put an expiry (because sterile) but after a while they stop testing to see if still sterile, and they nearly never came across something that wasn't sterile until a *long* time past the expiry (*multiples* of the shelf life, usually). As much as the expiry is there for quality issues, they know all to well that if they actually put the true shelf-life, nobody would likely have to discard and restock, so sales would go down... If the barrier packaging is of any quality at all, it could *conceivably* stay sterile forever.

Doctor9

great info fellers

Thanks. I was looking at the millipore pvdf. I messaged the seller, and he said these products can be good for up to 10yrs after sterilization. I think the expiration is usually 2yrs from sterilization date. I'm looking at one with a dec 2015 expiration date. But I know I won't be using it all for at least another 2yrs. I might pull the trigger on it since its a good price.

See, you hit an honest rep. *10 years* after expiry...that jibes well with the info I had from. Other manufacturers.

The filters from Amazon.com work well 10 for 23$ (actually I think there cheaper) never had a "Blowout" I normally double filter so the cheaper the better for me. Basskillers used to sell them