All You needed to know about vaccine and biological sample storage Phi Sigma General Trading L.L.C-Dubai Instruments

In this discussion, we will focus on the proper storage of vaccines at clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouse facilities. We will discuss the guidelines and best practices for vaccine storage to ensure their efficacy and safety.

Interviewer: How should vaccines be stored at clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouse facilities?

Brij Suri: Vaccines should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment at all times to maintain their potency and efficacy. The recommended temperature range for vaccine storage is between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Interviewer: What are the guidelines for vaccine storage?

Brij Suri: The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided guidelines for vaccine storage that include:

Maintaining a continuous cold chain from the manufacturer to the point of use.
Storing vaccines in a dedicated refrigerator or freezer.
Monitoring and recording the temperature of the storage unit regularly.
Preventing vaccines from being exposed to light, freezing, or heat.
Properly handling and disposing of expired or damaged vaccines.

Interviewer: What are the best practices for vaccine storage in clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouse facilities?

Brij Suri: The best practices for vaccine storage in clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouse facilities include:

Using a calibrated thermometer to monitor the temperature of the storage unit regularly.
Storing vaccines in a dedicated, lockable refrigerator or freezer.
Organizing the vaccine storage unit to ensure proper air circulation and temperature distribution.
Using a backup power source, such as a generator or battery, to ensure continuous refrigeration during power outages.
Maintaining a vaccine inventory log to track the quantity, type, and expiration dates of vaccines.
Regularly checking for and disposing of expired or damaged vaccines.

Interviewer: How should vaccines be transported from the warehouse facility to the clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals?

Brij Suri: Vaccines should be transported in a temperature-controlled environment to maintain their potency and efficacy. The temperature range should be between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The transport vehicle should be equipped with temperature monitoring devices, and the driver should be trained to handle vaccines properly during transportation. The vaccines should be protected from light, freezing, or heat during transportation, and the transport vehicle should have a backup power source in case of a power outage.

Interviewer: Can you please provide information on transportation and storage requirements for vaccines who have specific temperature and/or humidity requirements please?

Brij Suri: This is certainly very topical given the COVID vaccine requirements folks are familiar with

Vaccines that require storage at -70°C (-94°F) or below: Vaccines such as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine require ultra-cold storage at -70°C or below. These vaccines should be stored in specialized freezers that are designed to maintain the required temperature range. During transportation, these vaccines must be kept in special containers with dry ice to maintain the required temperature range.
Vaccines that require storage at -20°C (-4°F) or below: Vaccines such as the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine require frozen storage at -20°C or below. These vaccines should be stored in a dedicated freezer with a temperature monitor and backup power supply. During transportation, the vaccines should be transported in specialized containers with dry ice to maintain the required temperature range.
Vaccines that require storage at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F): Most vaccines require storage in a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). These vaccines should be stored in a dedicated refrigerator with a temperature monitor and backup power supply. During transportation, the vaccines should be transported in temperature-controlled vehicles that maintain the required temperature range. The transport vehicles should have a temperature monitoring device, backup power supply, and be designed to prevent exposure to light, freezing, or heat.
Vaccines that require storage at a specific humidity level: Some vaccines may have specific humidity requirements in addition to temperature requirements. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be stored in a cool, dry place. During transportation, the MMR vaccine should be protected from high humidity, which can damage the vaccine. The vaccine should be stored in a container that protects it from light, freezing, or heat, and the container should be labeled with the storage requirements.

I can’t stress how important it is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for storage and transportation of specific vaccines to ensure their efficacy and safety. Vaccines that are not stored or transported properly may lose their potency and become ineffective, which can compromise public health efforts.

Interviewer: Any specific points to keep in mind about storage of blood, lab samples etc?

Brij Suri: Yes, there are some very specific points to keep in mind about storage of blood, lab samples, and other biological materials which we encounter:

Blood: Blood products such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma require specific storage temperatures and conditions to maintain their efficacy. For example, red blood cells should be stored at 1°C to 6°C, while platelets should be stored at room temperature (20°C to 24°C) with gentle agitation. Plasma should be stored at -18°C or lower. It is important to store blood products in dedicated refrigerators and freezers with temperature monitors, backup power supplies, and alarms to ensure the safety and quality of the products.
Lab samples: Lab samples such as urine, serum, and tissue samples should be stored at specific temperatures and conditions to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. For example, urine samples should be stored at 2°C to 8°C, while serum samples should be stored at -20°C or lower. Tissue samples should be stored in a specialized storage medium and at a specific temperature depending on the type of tissue. It is important to label samples with the date and time of collection, the patient’s name, and any other relevant information.
Other biological materials: Other biological materials such as vaccines, cell cultures, and DNA samples require specific storage conditions to maintain their efficacy and integrity. For example, vaccines should be stored at the recommended temperature range and protected from light, freezing, or heat. Cell cultures should be stored in a dedicated freezer at -80°C, while DNA samples should be stored at -20°C or lower. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for storage and handling of biological materials to ensure their safety and quality.

In addition to temperature and storage requirements, it is important to consider other factors such as proper labeling, segregation, and handling procedures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of biological materials. Regular monitoring and maintenance of storage equipment, as well as training of staff, can also help ensure proper storage and handling of biological materials.

Interviewer: Can you please talk about handling procedures more for biological materials?

Brij Suri: This is a topic getting more headlines these days and is very critical. The handling procedures for biological materials are critical to ensuring their safety and integrity. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Staff handling biological materials should wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection to prevent exposure to infectious agents or hazardous chemicals.
Segregation: Biological materials should be segregated from other materials to prevent cross-contamination. For example, blood samples should be stored separately from chemicals or non-biological materials.
Labeling: All biological materials should be labeled with the date and time of collection, the patient’s name or ID number, and any other relevant information. This helps prevent mix-ups and ensures proper tracking and documentation.
Transport: Biological materials should be transported in leak-proof and properly labeled containers. If transport requires dry ice or other cooling methods, it is important to use appropriate packaging and labeling.
Disposal: Biological materials should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations and guidelines. This may include autoclaving, chemical treatment, or other methods to ensure proper disposal and prevent environmental contamination.
Emergency procedures: Staff should be trained in emergency procedures such as spills or accidental exposure to biological materials. Emergency response kits and procedures should be readily available.

By following these handling procedures, staff can help prevent contamination or exposure to biological materials, ensure proper tracking and documentation, and promote the safety and integrity of these important materials.

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