Sorry if this is a late response, I just tested mine kinda haphazardly but as you can see one part of my blood is nice and red, whilst the other is a darker and chocolatey colour, the reaction was instantaneous so I think it would still be lethal enough to do the job. as for cracking the seal on it I wouldn't have a clue, I opened mine about 2 months ago but I've had it since November 2019. I think you'll be fine to store it for a few years as long as its properly stored.