Cold Storage and Medical Facilities
Cold storage is critical to the medical industry. Different subcategories, like hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories other types of medical buildings use cold storage. Correct refrigeration temperature is crucial to sensitive medicines, fluids, and vaccines.
Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies use cold storage in stores and labs to keep medicines and vaccines cool. Vaccines are particularly vulnerable to temperatures changes and can lose their effectiveness. If they become too hot or too cold, biodegrading will occur. Biodegrading is the chemical breakdown of a substance. If the chemical ratio is not exact the benefits of the substance will be lost, and the patient will not be protected by the vaccine. Cold storage systems come in various sizes, depending upon the need. Domestic refrigerators are not recommended by any means, and can allow cold air to escape. The gradient in temperatures greatly affects medicines.
In medical facilities some supplies need to be placed in cold storage until they are used. The cold rooms must follow special guidelines set by the government. Most medical facilities store products at 35.6⁰F -46.4°F. Medicines are stocked and kept away from direct light and sunlight to keep microorganisms from growing. Tissues and cells are also preserved in a cold storage unit. Storage must be large enough to hold 1 years’ worth of vaccines. A circulation fan must be in place as well, to promote proper air flow.