Reasons why Laboratories Need Pharmacy Fridge

Manufacturers have designed these pharmaceutical-grade devices to hold biological material. The devices offer various benefits over traditional domestic refrigeration units. 

Unlike domestic refrigerators, medical-grade freezers contain a microprocessor-based technology that accurately monitors temperatures. They employ sensor systems (such as thermocouples, temperature sensors, & thermistors) that monitor the internal temperatures. The pharmacies must keep temperature-sensitive therapeutic items in a purpose-built refrigeration system developed and manufactured particularly for therapeutic goods. It comprises purpose-built refrigerated units incorporated inside an automatic dispensing system.

The QCPP Compatible Dispensary Refrigerator list details refrigerators that meet the QCPP compliance criteria. These freezers would be on the Australian Registry for Therapeutics Goods (ARTG) and are Cold Chain Test Centre (CCTC) certified refrigerators.

Reasons to use Pharmacy Fridges instead of Normal Fridges:

● They Provide a Consistent Cold-Chain for Biologics:

Utilizing medical freezers is crucial because they assist providers to maintain a stable cold chain. This supply system employs temperature-controlled storage rooms and delivery systems that safeguard vaccinations, blood transfusions, plus biological material. A cold chain also enhances the shelf-life of live organisms. These items may lose their efficacy due to improper storage circumstances, like overexposure to temperature, cold, or light. Liquid vaccinations may lose their potency after exposure to temperatures under 0° C [32° F]. Once damaged, their power cannot return.

● Data Logging Facilities:

All vaccination refrigerators have one permanent data recorder to continually monitor the refrigerator temperatures at predetermined 5-minute intervals. The data is downloaded on at least a weekly basis, in addition to twice-daily minimum/maximum records. The data recorder might be a portable digital data recorder or can be incorporated within the refrigerator.

Each recorder is a self-contained tiny computer. Trackers come in a range of forms and sizes. Once configured using just a computer, loggers are disconnected from the computer & placed in the vaccine freezer near the temperature sensor or vaccines. The logger then functions independently on its batteries till the recording is transferred to the PC.

● They Encourage Better Air Flow:

Household fridges often include glass shelves that might restrict air from circulating. Their design preserves food, but this doesn't maintain a consistent interior temperature. These unstable circumstances may harm vaccinations and biological components.

Medical-grade appliances have a greater airflow relative to their domestic equivalents. Pharmaceutical facilities depend on strong, fan-forced airflow systems with air-cooling outlets. Their interior shelf systems also cycle air effectively and maintain constant temperatures. They employ wire shelving with perforated air vents.

Additional purpose-built systems include drawers with solid frontiers (and wire inside) that shield vaccinations and specimens from ambient temperatures and ensure equal air circulation. Several medical freezers contain alarm systems to inform physicians when airlocks haven't shut or doors are ajar.

Thus, medical freezers are indispensable for laboratories.