When you buy a vaccine refrigerator, you should ensure that it will store vaccines properly. Know what to consider before making a purchase.
Does anyone have to tell you that vaccine refrigerators do not come cheap? Perhaps no.
A medical facility owner knows that purchasing a vaccine refrigerator calls for a significant expenditure, and that says it all about why you should be careful while choosing such a cold storage unit for purchasing.
Expense is not the only element that factors in consideration of choosing a suitable unit. The most important consideration is the proper vaccine storage.
You need to select a cold storage unit that will ensure proper vaccine storage because if you fail to store your vaccine stock in the pepper conditions, it will get damaged. You will then be left with no other options but to replace the damaged vaccine stock. It is needless to say that the replacement will entail significant money outgo.
So, how should you select a suitable cold storage unit for storing vaccines? Here are the factors to consider:
Medical Grade Vs. Domestic Units
If you want to buy a domestic refrigerator for storing vaccines, then dump the idea as it is a bad one. Domestic refrigerators are not suitable for storing vaccines as they cannot maintain a consistent temperature. Moreover, these refrigerators cannot monitor temperature fluctuations or recover to the prescribed temperature after closing the door.
Door Styles
Ensure that your prospective refrigerator has doors that close with a magnetic gasket to seal it in a possible way for maintaining a consistent interior temperature.
And when it comes to choosing a refrigerator with an insulated door or a glass door, you can go for any type. But glass doors pose the advantage of transparency which leads to better inventory control. Your staff will be able to view the contents of your refrigerator without having to open the door. However, insulated doors have an advantage. They can maintain a stable temperature during a power outage.
Again, choosing hinged and sliding doors will depend on where you will store the refrigerator in your facility. Space will determine which one will suit it.
Size and Shape
You need to assess two factors in determining the shape and size of your prospective refrigerator--the space available for placing the refrigerator and the volume of vaccines you will keep in the unit.
It will also help if you consider the following factors to land on the refrigerator of the right size and shape:
Clearance
There has to be adequate clearance space available for placing the refrigerator. Ensure that there are at least four inches of free space on all sides of the refrigerator. Keep in mind that there has to be plenty of air for the motor to run to avoid premature equipment failure.
Level
You should install your refrigerator on a level floor, and the door should open and close smoothly on hinges or tracks.
Storage Capacity
Assess your current and future vaccine stock, and choose a refrigerator with adequate capacity to hold the stock. Ensure that there are two to three inches of space from the inside walls from the vaccines. And there have to be spaces between rows to maximize airflow and maintain the requisite temperatures.
Interior and Shelving
Wire shelving is necessary for allowing air circulation throughout the refrigerator compartment. It allows the refrigerator to maintain the correct temperature. It will help if you choose a refrigerator with adjustable shelving to get the most flexibility in storage.
Temperature Control Mechanism
Avoid refrigerators with analog temperature control systems as they cannot keep track of temperature accurately. Digital temperature control systems are the right choices because they can monitor temperature accurately.
What you should look for in temperature controls are:
Microprocessor-based control for accurate temperature monitoring.
Temperature range--the refrigerator temperature should be between 2 to 8 degrees C
Temperature Monitoring Device (TMD) — there has to be a Digital Data Logger (DDL) for recording the internal temperature, complying with the guidelines of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Display — the unit has to have an easy-to-read display to indicate the internal temperature, the minimum, and maximum temperatures, which help to detect temperature excursions.
Defrosting — the automatic defrosting facility is better. Ensure it has a cycle defrost technique.
Temperature Recovery
When you open and close the door, the temperature inside the refrigerator unit should reach the requisite levels as quickly as possible. Vaccines should remain at the prescribed temperature, and if the temperature fluctuates, the vaccines will be at risk of damage.
Choosing a refrigerator with fan-controlled, forced draft circulation will enable recovery of the correct storage temperatures quickly and accurately.
Safety and Security
Safety is an essential factor to consider before you purchase a vaccine storage refrigerator. Say, if your staff accidentally leaves the refrigerator’s door open or there is a power outage, then the internal temperature can undergo a fluctuation, which can damage your vaccine stock.
Likewise, security is also another essential factor that you should not undermine. You should not allow everybody in your medical facility to get access to the interior of your refrigerator.
Your prospective refrigerator needs to have the following to maintain safety and security:
Alarm Systems
There has to be an alarm system to alert your staff when temperature excursions occur.
Data Logging
Ensure your prospective refrigerator has a digital data logging system to log temperature data automatically.
Locking Doors
There have to be built-in locks on the refrigerator door to prevent unauthorized access to ensure the safety of your vaccine stock.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you should refrain from purchasing a vaccine refrigerator in haste. Instead, do a bit of due diligence in assessing the feature to land on the right unit.
