Why is a UPS required for a pharmacy refrigerator?

Concerns over vaccine cold chain sustainability are once again being raised after three Covid-19 vaccines were licensed in the USA, and two more are expected to be approved soon.

In A Pharmaceutical Refrigerator, Why Is It Necessary To Have A UPS?

The UPS (uninterruptible power supply) may be used for various purposes beyond those often connected with backup power requirements. Power outages in pharmacy refrigerators and laboratory freezers, on the other hand, restrict medical professionals from opening the refrigerator and retrieving vaccines, which may lead to data loss or other operational concerns. Medicine fridges may keep their temperature for up to four hours after a power outage, as long as the door isn't opened.

As a result of recent news about the development of a Coronavirus vaccine, pharmaceutical refrigerators have come to public attention. It's important to point out the fact that many medications and medical supplies must be stored at a specific temperature range (usually between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius) to ensure their safety and efficacy (35.6F to 46.4F). After 8 degrees Celsius, the NHS Green Book declares that the "cold chain" has been broken, and the contents of the refrigerator must be treated as damaged or destroyed as necessary.

What UPS protects data?

Vaccines must be stored according to tight requirements, which means that a medical fridge outage may not only be an expensive annoyance, but it may also violate laws. For the CDC (Centre of disease prevention), the minimal criteria for acceptable refrigeration conditions:

"Measures have been made to limit the likelihood of an electrical supply being accidentally interrupted."

As previously stated, switchless connectors and unambiguous labelling are common approaches. Although reducing the risk of human mistakes, a switchless socket does not offer an additional source of power to the fridge in the event of a mains power outage.

Conclusion

It is recommended that vaccines and medications stored in laboratory freezers be maintained at a temperature of –15 to 50 degrees Celsius to ensure optimal shelf life. The first Covid-19 vaccination requires a temperature of -70 degrees Celsius (-94F) and can only be thawed four times before it degrades and denatures. Unlike other frozen vaccines, it has a five-day shelf life after thawing.

How to Specify an Ultra-Low Freezer for Lab

To more complex things like cells and tissues, biomolecules such as oligonucleotides and proteins have thermal sensitivity. Ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers must be utilized to keep these materials at -80°C so that they may be examined and characterized. Cryogenic freezers, which can maintain temperatures as low as -150°C, may be used to retain samples for long periods in some instances.

There are a slew of considerations to be made while making your final decision on a ULT freezer

• There are a few things to think about before investing in ULT freezers. In addition to the price, consider the freezer's size, footprint, and energy efficiency.
• The capacity of the ULT freezer is critical because it affects how many biological materials may be stored in the Laboratory Freezer. The larger the freezer's capacity, the more costly it will be to buy and operate.
• It is preferred if the ULT freezer takes up as little space as feasible, enabling the lab to utilize more of the available space for other purposes. ULT freezers that are upright rather than chest-shaped take up less shelf space.
• ULT freezers must keep a stable temperature because biological samples, such as patient tissue, are critical and challenging to obtain.
• The following components make up the user interface: Wi-Fi-enabled ULT freezers of modern models may be controlled from afar. This function might be helpful, for example, if you need to monitor the freezer temperature outside of regular working hours or if the pandemic prohibits you from going to the lab in person.

Because of technology developments, ULT freezers have improved

Biotechnology research relies heavily on the use of Ultralow Freezer. Consequently, their designs have become more imaginative to enhance their reliability and sample integrity while simultaneously reducing operating expenses and enhancing ergonomics.

Manufacturers are upgrading their designs to lower their carbon footprints as consumers become more aware of the carbon footprints generated by research institutions. Some compressors are also equipped with learning algorithms to optimize their energy consumption, making them even more energy-efficient as they become more common.

To reduce the formation of difficult-to-remove frost and ice, manufacturers have created new materials with anti-frost properties that improve temperature uniformity while also making maintenance easier.

How to Properly Calibrate Your Moisture Analyzers

Laboratory-scale To ensure that products meet federal and industry regulations, the moisture content is measured using halogen or other infrared heaters. Like any different exact analytical scale or balance, a moisture analyzer must be accurate to function correctly. To ensure the accuracy of moisture analyzers, two independent calibration processes must be completed: one to ensure temperature and another to ensure weight. If you want to know how to calibrate your moisture balance accurately, keep reading!

Why Do Moisture Analyzers Need to Be Calibrated?

Only a few interruptions may substantially impact the overall accuracy of a moisture balance. The gravitational pull in various locations of the globe necessitates that newly acquired analyzers be calibrated on the spot before they can be utilized. When moisture analyzers are being utilized in the lab or at a different location, even if it's only in a new place of work, changes in ambient conditions might impact accuracy. The workspace should be adequately soundproofed and heated or cooled to prevent noise and temperature fluctuations brought on by moving carts over the floor.

It is necessary to calibrate the weighing system

It is necessary to do external calibration on moisture analyzers to be as accurate as possible. These adjustments are made by combining a particular moisture balance test with predetermined adjustment weights like 50 grammes. The operating instructions accompanying the devices provide information on how to calibrate different models of moisture analyzers. The calibration weight is placed on the sample pan once the device has been set to suit the importance of the pan. For example, if the moisture analyzer shows an incorrect number for the real weight, the analyzer will automatically correct itself, and the exercise will be completed without additional input.

Temperature Testing And Determination

Heating systems may be calibrated using temperature calibration kits, which can be purchased separately. However, your moisture analyzer must be cooled down for three hours before any tests can be carried out. Insert the temperature probe as close to the sensor as possible, following the instructions in the instruction manual.

In comparison to the weight calibration technique, the temperature checks are more time consuming and require the use of two independent pounds. A moisture balance can only offer accurate findings if it is calibrated regularly in your laboratory. All laboratory employees must be aware of the calibration procedure and its timeframes.

How to Achieve Precision Scale And Balance

In academic and industrial research and quality control labs, an analytical balance is precision equipment that needs considerably more care and attention than the usual industrial scales and balances. There are many analytical balances on the market, and each one has its own unique set of specifications. So lab workers should be informed of how and when to use these instruments to ensure that equipment accuracy is maintained and prolong the lifespan of these instruments to the greatest extent feasible. Here are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind. There are times when the balancing operations manual is the only source of information.

Construction of an Analytical Equilibrium

The precision scale should be packaged on a flat, level surface that is free of severe heat, temperature variations, direct sunlight, draughts, high humidity, mist, dust and vibration. Accuracy may be affected by any or all of these variables. After that, open the balance and follow the steps provided to set it up.

A Balance Analyzer Is Required

Kern precision scales and analytical balances employ moulded plastic housings to prevent draughts from interfering with the accuracy of their measurements. After the samples are placed on the weighing plate, and the housing door is closed, you should wait approximately three seconds before taking a reading. Avoid tampering with the balance during weighing processes if at all feasible.

Checking Your Results Using an Analytical Balance

Before using a Precision Scale and Balance, it must be calibrated. The equipment may need to be recalibrated if it has been moved to a new location or subjected to significant changes in the temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors.

Keep everything in its proper place!

A thoroughly cleansed analytical balance is required for reliable results. It should be disconnected from the power supply as soon as feasible, and any spilled samples should be cleaned up immediately. Use a soft brush or a vacuum to remove any leftover residue. Wet towels soaked in mild soap should be used to clean surfaces. Precautions must be made to prevent liquid from entering the device. Completely dry the item with a fresh towel.

How Does a Nitrogen Desiccator Work in Lab?

As nitrogen is inert primarily (it does not react with stored items nor does it transmit moisture), it is the most often used medium for contaminant-free storage. It can be separated and purified at a cheap cost.

What Is essential?

There must be a proper flow of nitrogen in desiccator cabinets so that all moisture and contamination-containing air is removed. Because nitrogen has lower specific gravity than air, the heavier air is purged from the bottom region of the desiccator by introducing nitrogen into the top area.

Desiccators Not Maintained?

If a desiccator is not adequately bled and maintained, it might result in catastrophic failure. Moisture may permeate a desiccator's molecular structure, needing baking or vacuum processing to preserve the items being stored.

A Desiccator May Be Put To Use In Two Ways: As A Drying Device And As A Storage Device

There are two ways to utilize this airtight container. A desiccator's interior may be dehumidified first to prevent moisture particles from damaging moisture-sensitive goods like electronics and chemical samples that may react when exposed to moisture. Maintaining a stable humidity level while protecting biological and carbon dating materials from contamination is the second technique.

Desiccators for Dry Boxes

A wide range of manufacturing processes, from semiconductors to biopharmaceuticals to medical devices, are used in labs to meet these and other sectors' demands. Our desiccators are designed to reduce the relative humidity (RH) in a cabinet to 0% so that moisture cannot affect the sample that is being stored inside.

Relative humidity of 0 percent may be achieved by introducing Nitrogen (N2) into the chamber. When oxidation is not necessary, nitrogen is utilized as a replacement for air. It is feasible to separate and purify nitrogen cheaply since it does not react with stored chemicals.

Last Words

A desiccator may employ silica gel cartridges as alternative desiccants in the form of silica gel cartridges. You can recall finding little packets of beads hidden within a new pair of shoes in the past. As opposed to silica gel cartridges, silica gel packets have a more manageable size. Use these cartridges to keep samples dry since they remove moisture from the chamber.

Difference between Medical and Lab Refrigerators

Many people believe that lab freezers are no different from medical refrigerators, which is a common misconception. Some people believe that laboratory freezers are just more oversized copies of their own. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but a few stand out. To ensure the long-term preservation of laboratory samples and materials, the freezers in the lab are equipped with temperature-controlled storage. Keeping a steady temperature in these freezers is essential to maintaining a stable environment. You'll discover more about the distinctions between Medical refrigerators and those in a laboratory by reading the below points.

Types of Lab Fridge

There are primarily two types of laboratory freezers. The chest freezer is the first, and the upright freezer is the second. These two vary significantly in terms of how much floor area they need. The compact footprint of upright refrigerators does not compromise storage capacity. Medical refrigerators, on the other hand, come in a single model.

Keeping the Temperature in Check

Maintaining a controlled atmosphere is critical to the proper operation of a lab freezer. The lab fridges' room must also be appropriately controlled and maintained. The compressor is more susceptible to damage at high temperatures because of the increased pressure pressing on it. Adequate air circulation is essential to the proper operation of the freezers. It's not necessary with a medical freezer, though. High-temperature freezers may be used.

Efforts to Dissipate

There will be greater heat output if you have many lab fridges in the same room. Increasing the temperature in the room can raise the pressure on your compressor, causing it to work more. The lab fridges are not defrosted automatically since it might harm the samples inside. On the other hand, medical refrigerators have auto-defrost capabilities and do not suffer from heat emissions.

A Built-In Security System

Security considerations are taken into consideration while designing lab fridges. Many laboratory refrigerators include built-in alarm systems that sound when the temperature drops too low or rises too high. Various security solutions are available, including password-protected locks and safety seals. Medical freezers, on the other hand, do not have these features.

Conclusion

This is how a laboratory refrigerator differs from a home refrigerator. The design systems of these two refrigerators reflect the fact that they were built for various reasons.

10 Tips for Maintaining Laboratory Equipment

Equipment maintenance should be your first priority, regardless of whether you're trying to keep within your budget or guarantee that your tests go off without a hitch. Below is the checklist for routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Every day, do the cleaning.

It's good to have a simple lab housekeeping checklist to remind lab personnel of daily responsibilities, including removing and cleaning counters, sweeping floors, and sanitizing the most frequent lab touchpoints.

Make sure you've got the proper safety gear.

Before commencing any project, the condition and quality of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be maintained. Have your employees check the condition of their hearing aids, gloves, and other protective gear regularly.

Restock Sinks For Hand Washing

Disinfectant soap dispensers and hand towels should be easily accessible at handwashing sinks. If the sink gets blocked, it must be fixed right once to prevent contamination and backup.

Maintain Emergency Radio Stations.

To guarantee efficient eyewash and shower station performance, it's essential to maintain them following the requirements. Ensure that the station is regularly inspected by competent personnel.

All laboratory equipment must be thoroughly cleaned.

Before starting a job, make sure that all of the necessary equipment is clean. There are criteria for cleaning equipment that must be followed when a job is completed.

Make a list of everything you have in the refrigerator and the freezer.

Refrigerator and freezer inventory is essential, and it should contain critical information about the contents, including the origin and expiry dates.

Clean your glass correctly by using the recommended cleaning methods.

Routine glassware cleaning may be handled using a lab washer-disinfector with hot-air drying capability.

Glass recycling

Keep a garbage can for broken glass and other items with sharp edges in a place where everyone on the team can quickly access it.

Take a closer look at the emergency gear.

Make sure your lab's sprinkler and fire safety systems are inspected regularly.

Repairs

Occasionally, Laboratory Equipment may fail and cease operating. Instead of tossing out broken equipment, check whether it can be fixed or if it can be repaired with new components.

Conclusion

The equipment in your lab will work more smoothly if you follow these accessible cleaning practices. Daily, wipe down any exposed surfaces, and once a week, schedule a comprehensive clean.