The Critical Role Of A Blood Bank Refrigerator

Sep 9
16:45

2011

Sabrina Whetham

Sabrina Whetham

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A blood bank refrigerator is a specially designed storage unit for this life giving fluid. Human blood is important in times of emergencies and vital to aid in recovery from trauma. However, this life-saving fluid is also delicate and sterile handling techniques to extract and then storage at precise temperature ranges.

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A normal household freezer or fridge is designed to hold foodstuff at optimal temperatures. If the temperature varies a small amount in a household refrigerator,The Critical Role Of A Blood Bank Refrigerator Articles the results are rarely life threatening. However, storage units for medical purposes are held to a much higher standard because a few degrees shift in temperature can make all the difference to these fluids.

Most of these refrigeration units feature glass doors. Although the units may vary in size, the ability to inventory the products without opening the door and causing a temperature shift is important. Some storage units will also feature a fast temperature recovery backup to permit the unit the return to optimum temperature as quickly as possible.

Designs for refrigeration units vary as to their purpose. Those units designated to hold medical products normally consist of a series of shelves with extra room for airflow. These temperature controlled devices can be as small as under the counter models or might be a three-door system for larger banks.

Refrigeration units for blood products will normally include one or more alarm systems. If temperatures within a biological refrigeration unit shift significantly, visual and possibly audio alarm signals will alert technicians to the changes. Some banks may also have written logs produced by the refrigerator upon opening or by a significant change in temperature outside the preset norms.

Storage capacity plays a part in the choice of the particular refrigeration unit. However, floor space available for refrigeration units as well as the type of product to be stored plays an equally large part in the choice of refrigeration units. A busy center with a constant turnover in the stored product may require a very efficient temperature recovery system. Alternatively, a smaller center with fewer demands may go with a less expensive refrigeration unit.

A blood bank refrigerator holds essential and lifesaving biological fluids at the optimum temperature for storage. This life giving fluid may be used to save the life of persons of all ages. It is critical that storage for this critical component be state of art to conform to the bank's internal regulations as well as governmental regulations.