Medical environments and research institutes demand storage spaces to stack medicines, test samples, specimen vials, etc. Several drugs and samplings require a specific temperature to remain stable, and that’s the reason why medical fridges have turned into a necessity. In the late phases of the pandemic, vaccine fridges have become seemingly popular and a basic requirement among medical laboratories and centres. Be it vaccines against Covid-19 or any typical flu, only a medical fridge can keep them preserved. Buying a dedicated medical fridge has several benefits over using a domestic fridge to store drugs and vaccines. Medical fridges have accurate temperature settings and enhance airflow at the same time. On the bottom line, nothing can preserve your medical supplies better than a medical fridge.
Things to Consider When Buying a Vaccine Fridge
There are more than 1,200 hospitals (public and private) in Australia. With more than 170 pathology labs, Australia is a country with well developed rural healthcare. If this is your first take on medical fridges, your journey can be overwhelming with the many choices and configurations. Medical storage fridges need to be bought with ample care as a small mistake can turn tricky and cost you extensively. However, the fact that you need to provide your patients with the highest quality of drugs and vaccines makes buying a vaccine refrigerator significant. Given below is a list of factors to consider and tips to follow when shopping for vaccine fridges.
1. The Size
When it comes to the size of a refrigerator, you will primarily have to look into the capacity. To begin with, consider the amount of space you have. Buying a bigger fridge can make your centre look and feel cramped. With medical fridges, you will find two primary types. Horizontal and vertical fridges are common in medical and pharmaceutical usage. You can choose from the two depending on the space availability. You can also choose a built-in fridge that can fit under a counter if you are running out of space. However, if you are looking for a dedicated vaccine refrigerator, upright fridges are the best pick. It is also vital to consider the capacity as there is no standard capacity to opt for.
2. Temperature
You cannot overlook the temperature range a medical fridge provides. Though most refrigerators follow the medical guidelines, it is always advisable to watch out for the temperature allowance. Vaccine refrigerators that allow a temperature variation between 0 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit are the best bet. Some fridges come with a temperature monitor and a sensor so that you are kept aware of the current temperature.
Vaccines may degrade when stored above or below this temperature interval. This means that they lose their potency even when used the right way. Hence, you must ensure to buy medical fridges that come with a temperature display monitor that is readable and has an alarm.
3. Ventilation
Unlike conventional refrigerators, medical fridges have a dedicated airflow and circulation system. Vaccines, drugs and medical samples demand optimal ventilation to remain stable and unchanged. Therefore, you must ensure to buy vaccine fridges that have air panels with cooling vents. Some fridges may even have ventilation holes in their shelves.
4. Additional Features
If you fancy a long-running medical fridge, ensure to put money into one that can last long amidst all odds. For instance, the air circulation system needs to keep up with the freezing temperature even when the door is open during usage. Refrigerators with backup battery power must be your first preference as it keeps your fridge away from power fluctuations and supply interruptions without affecting the stored supplies. If you get concerned about access and security, consider buying fridges that come with digital locks.