c# SelectedIndex error

Question

I am trying to use the following code

 update_facility_shift_duration.SelectedIndex = Int32.Parse(reader_facility["facility_shift_duration_id"].ToString()); //If this is current user's facility add select

update_facility_shift_duration is the ID for the <selected> which gets its value by the following code

update_facility_shift_duration.Items.Add(new ListItem(result, reader_facility["facility_shift_duration_id"].ToString()));

I have about 6 select options and want to select the one that matches the ID in the database .

But I am getting the following error. Does anyone know how to solve this or might have some idea to push me in the right direction? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

reader_facility["facility_shift_duration_id"] is probably null. Check it is null or empty.