Refrigerator

COVID-19 has brought dramatic changes to everyone's daily life. However, after a major hiatus of nearly two years, things seem to finally be improving. Part of the change is due to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots to fight the pandemic. Because these vaccines are so valuable, it's important to store them properly so they can fight the virus as well as possible. In this article, you can learn about the importance of Pharmaceutical refrigerators for proper storage of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for use in the fight against Covid-19. What type of Pharmaceutical refrigerator is used for vaccines? Because vaccines are not easy to store and are highly temperature sensitive, it is necessary to keep many of them in a Pharmaceutical refrigerator or freezer to ensure they do not spoil. Depending on the type of vaccine kept inside, their temperature range can vary widely. Typically, they run between -4F and 37F, but some specialty units may go down to -100F to safely retain certain vaccines. These refrigerators and freezers have heavy-duty doors with modern insulation and sealing gaskets to ensure consistent internal temperatures regardless of external conditions. Many will also have digital displays and warning systems to make sure you're sure the temperature is where it should be. Depending on the model, these refrigerators may also have key locks on their doors to ensure that only certain people have access to the vaccines inside. Why does a Covid vaccine need to be kept so cold? COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are produced using mRNA, which is unstable at higher temperatures. In the past, most vaccines were produced using weakened or inactive pathogens. When these vaccines are injected into the body, it boosts the immune system's response, which teaches the body to respond to bacteria or viruses. For mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA cells are created in the lab. These cells are designed to teach our body's cells how to make a protein to protect us from the virus we're fighting. However, the mRNA used in these vaccines is extremely fragile and breaks down rapidly. To address this issue, storing doses in medicine refrigerators has successfully extended the shelf life of vaccine doses, allowing us to extend the life of doses to months rather than hours. What are the advantages of Pharmaceutical refrigerators? The first advantage of using a Pharmaceutical refrigerator is that it keeps medicines and vaccines at the proper temperature at all times to ensure their shelf life. Medicines such as vaccines are very temperature sensitive, so keeping them at the perfect temperature is essential. Pharmaceutical refrigerators are manufactured to be very insulating and highly reliable. Another plus is that they have alarms and temperature monitors to make sure they're always at the correct temperature, and they alert the owner if they're not. Another advantage is that they are designed to promote proper air flow and not lose temperature in the event of a power outage. Finally, because they can be locked, they prevent over-opening doors and unauthorized access to sensitive medications. Thchamber has been in business for more than 15 years and continues to lead the industry in the manufacture of various pharmaceutical refrigerators and freezers as well as Environmental Chambers, Lab Vacuum Oven, Lab Biochemical Incubator, Stability Test Chamber.

Suitable location The placement of vaccine refrigerators is critical. Adequate space is required around medical refrigerators for ventilation. For most vaccine refrigerators, about 30mm of clearance is required on each side of the refrigerator. There are several models of vaccine refrigerators that are designed not to require ventilation gaps at all. It's best to place your refrigerator in an insulated room, rather than against an exterior wall that can get hot and cold with the weather. The size of the location also affects the refrigerator capacity you can install. Appropriate The capacity of vaccine/pharmacy refrigerators needs to be able to safely store vaccines for peak demand, such as pre-flu programs. Overpackaging must be avoided as this can block cold air circulation and put vaccines at risk. For this reason, it is generally advisable to exercise caution and get a slightly larger vaccine refrigerator instead of a slightly smaller one. Vaccine and pharmacy refrigerators are divided into three main capacity ranges: – Under the counter/tabletop vaccine, the capacity of the refrigerator is usually about 130 to 160 liters. – Vertical Pharmaceutical Vaccine Refrigerators typically have a capacity of 350 to 650 liters. – Custom Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Refrigerator with a capacity of approximately 600 liters and above. External alert If you plan to connect your vaccine refrigerator to your business's alarm system, make sure the vaccine refrigerator allows you to do so. The Thchamber refrigerator is ready for wiring to an external alarm. Thchamber refrigerator must be selected for external alarm. Data logger Consider purchasing a vaccine refrigerator with a data logger. The data logger electronically records temperature readings at set intervals. The stored data can then be downloaded to a computer. Data loggers can be used to audit and establish a record pattern of vaccine refrigerators over time. They're especially handy for determining whether refrigerators over 8 degrees Celsius are doing so within the critical 15 minutes allowed. Alert notification Thchamber refrigerators are now equipped with an alarm system that can send an alert via SMS or email if the temperature inside the refrigerator falls outside the desired range. Thchamber also offers temperature monitoring solutions that can be used with existing vaccines or laboratory refrigerators.

Why Lab Refrigerator Temperature Alarms Are Crucial What could go wrong? Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is a power failure. If your facility does not have emergency generators that come online immediately, you need a backup plan to quickly move production to a backup refrigeration system. Less likely, but not unknown, is a mechanical failure in the refrigeration system or a temperature excursion due to poor maintenance, such as icing on the evaporator coil. Another example is accidentally leaving the unit's door ajar. As a final example in this post, a temperature monitor that activates an alarm can fail. For whatever reason, personnel must be alerted if the temperature is above or below the set value. Quick response to temperature excursions helps protect contents from spoilage or loss of potency. Temperature alarm system To understand the alarm system, we first set up the stage. Temperature alarms are programmed by personnel based on the proper storage temperature of materials in freezers and refrigerators. Use a mechanical or digital thermostat to set the temperature. Temperature monitors consist of probes placed in refrigerators and freezers and connected to onboard or external display and control devices. Many of these come with battery backup to maintain functionality in the event of a power failure. For more information on temperature controls and monitors, see our post on the topic of vaccine storage. On-board alarm Examples of on-board systems include Nor-Lake Scientific laboratory freezers and refrigerators available from Tovatech. These feature digital LED microprocessor temperature controllers with high/low visual and audible temperature alarms and remote alarm contacts to alert personnel elsewhere in the facility. A temperature sensor is placed in the bottle filled with glycerin to better reflect the temperature of the contents than the ambient temperature in the unit. Such an arrangement also reduces the chance of triggering an alarm when the unit door is opened. Some models of Scientific Refrigeration systems provide power failure alarms and door ajar alarms. Auxiliary or optional alarm system General purpose laboratory refrigerators and freezers can be equipped with an optional digital thermometer alarm consisting of an internal probe housed in a glycerin-filled bottle that is wired to external control and alarm devices. Probably the best solution for notifying refrigeration failures is the iLab 600 temperature monitoring system from Tovatech. The device operates independently of the device by collecting data from an internal probe connected through an access port to an external pod, which in turn is connected to the facility's LAN. The iLab 600 has two functions: A sophisticated programmable high/low temperature alarm that sounds locally and sends email, text, phone or pager alerts to the personnel list during off hours. It also captures, remotely stores and instantly retrieves compliance data reports on laboratory freezer and laboratory refrigerator performance. An optional USB temperature data logger with built-in alarm can be used to automatically record internal temperature at user-programmable intervals using a NIST traceable probe. To read the results, simply plug the USB flash drive into the computer and transfer the data to the PC for viewing and archiving. In addition to the onboard and optional digital thermometer alarms, an iLab 600 or USB data logger is recommended for two reasons. First, you shouldn't rely on a single temperature sensor to drive a temperature warning system. There should be at least two completely separate monitoring systems with alarms linked to separate temperature sensors. Second, they provide a way to acquire, store and retrieve stored temperature data based on good laboratory and good manufacturing processes. Other Pharmaceutical Refrigerator Tips Despite sophisticated temperature monitoring and alarm systems, laboratory personnel have a responsibility to protect the contents of refrigerators and freezers from spoilage due to improper storage temperatures.   Be prepared for prolonged power outages. Large facilities should have a backup emergency power system to keep refrigerators and freezers functioning properly. Smaller labs can use portable generators. If they shouldn't have procedures in place to quickly move valuable specimens, vaccines and medicines to off-site locations. Keep in mind that full freezers and refrigerators will keep the temperature longer. Fill the empty space with an ice pack or water bottle. Minimize unit visits. Temperature fluctuations occur every time the door is opened. Publish operating procedures for monitoring and recording temperatures twice a day and instruct personnel to respond to power outages. Contact Thchamber  Laboratory Freezer Manufacturer for details on protecting the contents of laboratory freezers and refrigerators from temperature excursions.

With the advent of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, human beings have to coexist with the new coronavirus. It's time for healthcare facilities to pay close attention to their refrigeration equipment for vaccine storage and temperature monitoring. This article summarizes their advice on how to store Covid-19 vaccines safely. How to Choose a Vaccine Refrigerator for Safe Vaccine Storage Vaccine storage temperature is determined by the manufacturer. Typically, most refrigerated vaccines must be stored between 2⁰ and 8⁰C. Frozen vaccines should be stored between -50⁰ and -15⁰C. The first guideline for VFC-compliant vaccine storage is that the refrigeration system does not allow temperatures above or below recommended storage temperatures. Set your refrigerator or freezer thermostat to the factory setting or midpoint temperature, which will reduce the chance of temperature excursions. That's because over the years, when refrigerators used to store vaccines fail to keep vaccines at recommended temperatures, huge financial losses can occur. These temperature excursions can cause vaccines to lose efficacy. In addition to the financial loss, there is the inconvenience of calling patients back for re-vaccination without compromise. For example, Carmen Heredia Rodriguez of Kaiser Health News published an article in February 2019 titled "Vaccines are sometimes stored improperly, reducing their effectiveness." This article covers temperature control events in California and Indiana. The most important thing to store vaccines is to use separate vaccine refrigerators and freezers. That's because they hold the desired temperature better than a combination refrigerator/freezer. The exception is a combination vaccine refrigerator and freezer if each compartment has its own compressor, thermostat and exterior door. The organization notes that stand-alone units can range in size from pharmaceutical-grade compact, above- or below-counter units to full-size units. Home refrigerators are not recommended under any circumstances. The CDC even said that such devices are prohibited from being used to store VFCs or other vaccines purchased with public funds. Vaccine Storage Tips Regardless of the capacity of your vaccine refrigerator or freezer, there are a few "must dos" to keep in mind: A full unit will hold the temperature better, but don't overfill. Leave room for air circulation. Replace the removed refrigerator stock with a pre-chilled water bottle. Replace the removed freezer with a chilled water bottle. Allow space for circulation between containers and keep contents 2-3 inches from the walls and back of the unit. Post notes that food and beverages have no place in the vaccine storage unit. Keep contents in original packaging with expiry date up front. If your unit has door racks, fill them with frozen or frozen water bottles, not vaccines. Vaccine temperature is better. Designate a person to perform this task. It also provides an opportunity to monitor vaccine stocks. Contact the scientists at China Medical Refrigerator Manufacturer thchamber to learn more about choosing the right vaccine refrigerator equipment for your practice.

Since the outbreak of the new crown epidemic, vaccines have always been the topic of most concern to everyone. Therefore, the world is very concerned about the unique storage conditions required for vaccines. Some of these new vaccines require ultra-low temperature storage chamber at or near -80°C, while others require storage at higher temperatures such as -20°C. Whether new vaccines or traditional vaccines, the storage conditions listed by manufacturers usually specify that vaccines need to be stored at +2°C to +8°C prior to administration, and that they must be prevented from freezing to protect their viability. One would think that freeze protection would be a no-brainer for a refrigerator. However, with temperature storage requirements so close to freezing, any issues with refrigerator temperature control or anything that might impede airflow, such as excessive inventory overloads, could put the product at risk. In fact, a 2012 report by the DHHS Inspector General stated that the vast majority of clinical providers they studied allowed vaccine exposure to inappropriate temperatures, which compromised potency and efficacy and put vaccine recipients at unnecessary risk . To help combat inappropriate storage conditions, CDC, in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) International and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), formed a committee to develop guidelines for vaccine refrigerators and freezers. The committee is composed of data from vaccine manufacturers , pediatricians, state health authorities, refrigeration manufacturers and industry experts from other interested parties who have spent the past six years working to develop the new standard. The committee needs to address several challenges. These challenges include overcoming the automatic thaw cycles present in many freezers that can take the vaccine out of its recommended storage conditions, and the inability of refrigerators to maintain strict temperature tolerances, or the potential for freezing due to differences in load or environmental conditions condition. The committee issued vaccine storage guidelines in June 2021. The new standard will help ensure that refrigerators and freezers certified to the standard and used for vaccine storage are designed and manufactured to help maintain the efficacy of the vaccines stored in them. When choosing vaccine storage equipment, carefully consider your freezer and refrigerated storage requirements, available space in your facility, and most importantly, equipment design. Choose a unit with a cold wall freezer section specially designed from the ground up to eliminate temperature spikes caused by freezer defrost cycles and refrigerators that maintain uniform temperature uniformity regardless of product load while protecting product from freezing is crucial. When shopping for a dedicated refrigerator, there are a few key issues to consider. Does the refrigerator maintain that temperature range throughout the cabinet? This consideration is key so vaccines can be stored uniformly on any approved shelf within the unit. How reliable is the refrigerator? You should look for vaccine refrigerators with long-term, consistent performance records. Do refrigerators meet current and emerging CDC, NSF, and ANSI guidelines that include stringent storage requirements for vaccines and biologicals? Following the recommended guidelines is the most effective way to ensure that no vaccines are wasted and no pets are left unprotected. Consistency, recovery and reliability are the most important factors in any vaccine storage. Check out vaccine storage refrigerator manufacturer thchamber for more information.

Medical grade refrigerator, also known as "lab" or "pharmacy" refrigerators, are significantly more expensive than standard household refrigerators.   In the blog, we'll look at this in more detail and explain why it's often not acceptable to use a household refrigerator to store samples or drugs in your lab.   What temperature do you want to reach? A basic but important question: what is the minimum temperature you need? This will depend on what you store in your lab freezer. Temperature range is important because prices vary widely depending on how low you want to go. For example, a standard -20°C freezer is much less expensive than a -86°C ultra-low temperature freezer. It is not uncommon for a difference of 2°C to 4°C between the top shelf of a domestic refrigerator and the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. Of course, this is perfectly acceptable when storing food or drinks. However, this is not acceptable when storing medicines or patient samples.   Safety Features of Laboratory Freezers You may also want to consider buying a refrigerator with a built-in high and low alarm in case the user leaves the door open or the appliance experiences a temperature failure. Some models also alert you if there's a power failure, which is useful if the refrigerator's power is a little choppy.   Alternatively, you may not need these alerts. Especially if you're opting for a separate temperature monitoring system. There are many different types of temperature monitoring systems out there. The XCH Biomedical medical refrigerator safety system provides multiple protections: compressor overheating, overpressure, overload protection and fan overheating protection. Multiple alarms: perfect sound and light alarm system, items are safer.   Stronger door construction The doors of medical refrigerators can be opened and closed dozens of times a day. This is why door seals and hinges are stronger because they are designed for heavy use.   Optional accessories for laboratory freezers There are a variety of optional accessories for your laboratory freezer. You need to decide what is really needed and what you don't have.   For example, do you need to move your refrigerator regularly? If so, you should have the unit equipped with casters. Do you store volatile substances? Better invest in a sparkless lab freezer. Is there an existing remote temperature monitoring system that needs to be compatible with the freezer? It's best to get a unit with built-in access ports so any probe can fit inside.   Before purchasing, please confirm with medical refrigerator manufacturers thchamber what features the end user really needs.

Pharmacies, hospitals, and laboratories rely on cold storage devices to protect drugs and vaccines. These devices create the best conditions for prolonging the shelf life of these beneficial drugs. Medical institutions are facing increasing pressure to ensure consistent and reliable refrigeration to store temperature-sensitive drugs, vaccines, reagents, and patient samples. Unfortunately, some clinics try to save money by buying home freezers or refrigerators. When refrigerators used in clinical applications cannot provide a safe storage environment, it will have a major impact.   Medical-grade refrigerators (also called special refrigerators) are specially designed to store vaccines and are the preferred type. These units have microprocessor-based control for a more precise temperature range, and fans that provide forced air circulation to limit cold/hot spots and promote a more uniform temperature throughout the storage box.   Laboratory Refrigerator The most basic type of medical refrigerator is called laboratory refrigerator for short. They use precise digital displays to display the temperature. They are easy to clean, equipped with alarms and locks, and are ideal for storing or cooling medical tools and samples.   How to choose a medical refrigerator Temperature requirement First, understand the ideal temperature range for the items you are going to store. Different samples, vaccines and equipment require different temperatures. The smaller the possible temperature difference, the more stable the refrigerator temperature control.   Storage design Another important consideration for Temperature Controlled Medicine Storage Refrigerator is storage design. For example, if you are storing small samples, you need a different design than storing large containers. Organization is the key, as well as the uniform temperature throughout the storage process.   Temperature monitor One of the most important things a medical refrigerator does is to accurately track the internal temperature. Temperature readings need to be accurate at all times. The thermometer should display the internal temperature, not just the temperature set by the staff. Make sure that the thermometer is properly calibrated. You also need a data logger compatible with the refrigerator to record temperature readings. In this way, you don't have to rely on staff to record the temperature.   XCH Biomedical is a trusted manufacturer of high-quality medical equipment. We produce excellent medical refrigerators and freezers for laboratories, hospitals and doctor's offices. Our medical-grade equipment complies with CDC and FDA recommendations. For more information on medical refrigerators and freezers used for vaccines, check out our most popular selection of medical-grade refrigerator.

The ultra-low temperature refrigerator market will continue to grow at a compound type. In 2019, the industry share of ultra-low temperature refrigerators was US$470 million. Due to the increase in funding for drug discovery in the biomedical field, it may grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.7% by 2026. We can attribute the growth rate to several factors: Increased research and work on vaccine production and storage under the raging situation of the coronavirus COVID-19. Funding in the biomedical and life science industries has generally increased. Raise awareness and demand for organ donation. Increase genomic research. More economically sustainable technology. Although the search for the coronavirus vaccine is proceeding at full speed, a key issue is the correct collection, labeling, storage and transportation of COVID-19 specimens to the CDC laboratory for testing. One of the procedures specified in the CDC's interim guidance is that shipments of coronavirus specimens must be stored at 2-8⁰C and transported overnight on ice packs for testing within 72 hours. If delays in transportation are expected, the samples must be stored at -70⁰C or lower. So how to choose a laboratory freezer or refrigerator for coronavirus vaccines and other temperature-critical products has become very important. Ensure that refrigerators and freezers used for safe and reliable vaccine storage have the following characteristics: Microprocessor control to ensure ultra-low temperature for science, laboratory and vaccine storage. Temperature graphs and alarms make it easy to maintain consistent records. Specially designed refrigeration system to prevent temperature fluctuations and freezing. The fan forces air circulation to achieve a uniform internal temperature. The interior design conforms to CDC guidelines to ensure stable conditions for sensitive materials. NIST calibration temperature display. Reliable preset temperature control technology. The externally visible temperature display at eye level allows easy and quick temperature monitoring. For capacity requirements, please refer to thchamber for laboratory freezer options for determining refrigeration capacity requirements.

Medical refrigerators have a microprocessor-based system that can accurately measure temperature. They use digital sensors (such as thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors [RTD], and thermistors) to monitor internal temperature. These devices also have a fast temperature recovery device that can respond to temperature readings that are out of range. A large part of the reason that distinguishes medical refrigerators or glass-door display freezers from household appliances is the guarantee of temperature stability. Many medical samples and supplies need to maintain a consistent temperature in order to stay alive. Change can mean the loss of much-needed drugs, blood donations, and destroyed products, which cost countless research, time, and money. Different medical compounds have different temperature requirements, all of which need to be monitored and adjusted. For example, in the case of vaccines, this varies from product to product. It must be maintained at +2°C from the time of manufacture to when the vaccine is used for individuals. Temperature range to +8°C. Most vaccines are considered damaged at 0°C, but because damaged or frozen vaccines may not be visually solid or change in appearance, glass-door refrigerator units must be equipped with an accurate digital thermostat to continuously monitor the internal temperature. Ideally, the refrigerator display cabinet is also equipped with a health timer that can automatically lock the device when the temperature rises or falls, above or below the set safety threshold. As far as vaccines are concerned, this will be a temperature higher than +8°C. Characteristics of medical refrigerators: Temperature stability, uniformity and recovery One of the most important characteristics of medical-grade refrigerators is their ability to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the cabinet. They use a forced air circulation system specifically designed for pharmacy applications to maintain an extremely tight uniformity, usually within +/- 1.5 degrees Celsius. They can also quickly return to the set temperature after the door is opened. Accurate temperature monitoring and alarm system On-site temperature deviation sound and light alarm, standard remote mobile phone SMS alarm (with power failure alarm), multiple devices use one mobile phone card; all high-quality medical-grade refrigerators are equipped with door alarms, if it breaks at any time, It will sound to prevent this from happening. Thermostat control There is nothing worse than turning the knob of a consumer refrigerator almost one millimeter to get the temperature just right. It not only takes longer to set it at the correct temperature, but it is also more risky, because even if someone gently touches the knob, it may cause a big change in temperature. Whenever I insist on using a consumer model, setting the temperature is a nightmare. Reliable and stable temperature for safe storage of vaccines, drugs, creams or samples. The digital display allows you to confirm the temperature without opening the door. Promote better air flow Compared with household appliances, medical-grade appliances are designed with better airflow. The pharmaceutical unit relies on a powerful fan forced air circulation system and air cooling vents. Their internal shelving system can also circulate air efficiently and maintain a uniform temperature. They use wire racks with perforated vents. Other specially constructed systems include drawers with solid fronts (and wire interiors) to protect vaccines and samples from ambient temperature and promote uniform air circulation. Many medical refrigerators and freezers have alarm systems that can notify suppliers when the airlock is not sealed or the door is ajar. Protect biological products from temperature drift caused by power failure Even if the provider uses appropriate equipment and consistent temperature monitoring practices, a power failure can damage your vaccine supply. These interruptions may disrupt the entire vaccine supply. Most facilities should have an on-site generator to prevent transportation of their vaccine supplies to alternative storage facilities during power outages. The supplier should have enough fuel in the facility to run the generator for 72 hours. If your healthcare facility does not have a generator, your medical refrigerator or freezer can protect your products. Most have backup batteries to prevent temperature drift. Medical refrigerators and freezers provide additional advantages because they have battery backup power and can be used in place of generators. If there is a power failure, please close the appliance door to maintain the internal temperature. Your facility should also have a second battery backup system in case the first battery fails. Medical glass door refrigerators and freezers are the lasting investment you want. Choosing a reliable brand XCH Biomedical and all the functions required for medical equipment will give you peace of mind in the coming years.