5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Medical Fridge

When it comes to storing medical supplies and medications, maintaining the right temperature is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and safety. 

This is where a medical fridge plays a vital role. 

The Role of Medical Fridges

Medical fridges are designed specifically to meet the strict requirements of healthcare facilities, pharmacies, laboratories, and vaccine storage. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right medical fridge can be a daunting task. 

To help you make an informed decision, here are 5 important factors to consider when buying a medical fridge for your organisation…

1. Temperature Control & Uniformity

One of the primary considerations when purchasing a medical fridge is its temperature control capabilities. It is essential to choose a fridge that offers precise temperature control within the required range. 

Most medical products that require refrigeration need to be stored between +2˚C and +8˚C, as stated by MHRA regulations. This process is known as the ‘cold chain’ and stops healthcare products such as vaccines from becoming too hot/cold and losing their potency.

Look for a medical fridge with a digital temperature display and adjustable settings to ensure accurate monitoring and control. All CoolMed medical fridges feature an external digital temperature controller and display with battery backup, so internal refrigerator temperatures can still be monitored in the event of a power failure.

2. Capacity & Storage Space

Evaluate your storage needs before investing in a medical fridge. Consider the quantity and types of medical supplies you intend to store and ensure that the fridge you choose has sufficient capacity to accommodate your requirements. 

Carefully assess the available space in your facility and select a fridge that fits well and maximises storage efficiency.

At CoolMed we supply medical fridges in a range of different sizes and configurations, including our small countertop medical fridge, medium undercounter medical fridge, and large upright medical fridge.

Adjustable shelving and compartments can also be advantageous for organising different items effectively. All CoolMed fridges feature adjustable shelves to maximise space availability.

3. Alarms & Monitoring Systems

Maintaining the integrity of medical supplies and medications is of utmost importance. A reliable medical fridge should have an alarm system to notify you if the temperature deviates from the desired range. 

All CoolMed medical fridges feature both audible and visual alarms to promptly alert practitioners of any internal temperature fluctuations. Alarms help to prevent medication from spoiling and going to waste, which helps to maintain public health.

4. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a significant consideration not only for cost-saving purposes but also for environmental sustainability. 

Look for medical fridges that have high energy efficiency ratings. Such fridges are designed to consume less power and can contribute to reducing your facility’s carbon footprint. 

At CoolMed we put a lot of emphasis on the energy efficiency of our products. For example, our medium glass door pharmacy fridge uses 328.5 kW of electricity per year, whereas a typical domestic fridge uses upwards of 408 kW of electricity per year. This difference in energy usage will also signify a big difference in associated energy costs.

CoolMed fridges also feature a light switch, which is designed to save on energy costs. Only if the switch is flicked will the internal LED light activate. Other manufacturers offer medical fridges with automatic lights, however these lights use unnecessary energy if the product you need can be easily found and accessed without extra lighting. 

5. Compliance with Regulations & Standards

Medical fridges must adhere to specific regulations and standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of stored medications and supplies. 

Verify that the fridge you choose complies with relevant regulatory guidelines, such as those set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These guidelines state: “Specialised refrigerators are available for the storage of pharmaceutical products and must be used for vaccines and diluents. Ordinary domestic refrigerators must not be used.”

Look for fridges with features such as lockable doors, audio and visual alarms, and external temperature displays with battery backups. All CoolMed medical fridges have these features, ensuring they comply with the necessary regulations for medication and vaccine storage.

Contact Us

Investing in a suitable medical fridge is crucial for maintaining the efficacy and safety of medical supplies and medications. Remember to thoroughly research different models, consult with experts, and evaluate your specific needs to select a fridge that meets the requirements of your healthcare facility or laboratory.

All CoolMed medical fridges are dispatched the same day if ordered before 12pm. We also offer free fridge positioning and removal of product packaging, unlike other suppliers. 

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about choosing the best medical fridge for your healthcare organisation, please call us on 0161 772 5666, or email us at info@coolmed.co.uk. A member of our team will be happy to help!