The present invention includes both sterilized and unsterilized hemostatic compositions that contain a biocompatible liquid having particles of a biocompatible polymer suitable for use in hemostasis and which is substantially insoluble in the liquid, up to about 20 percent by weight of glycerol and about 1 percent by weight of benzalkonium chloride, each based on the weight of the liquid, all of which are substantially homogenously dispersed throughout the liquid to form a substantially homogenous composition, methods for making such compositions, medical devices that contain such hemostatic compositions disposed therein and methods of making such devices.