In the world of healthcare, the proper storage of medications is paramount to ensuring their efficacy and, more importantly, the well-being of patients.
One often overlooked yet critical aspect of this process is the prevention of medication waste. With proper storage, the reduction of medical waste will ensure that patients receive their medication safely and on time.
Whilst medical staff know medical refrigeration storage best practices, there are other ways to ensure optimal storage of medications. This is done through regular calibration and annual servicing of medical fridges.
Medical fridge calibration and servicing are essential and should be part of any healthcare setting’s regular due diligence to ensure safe medication storage. Below, we’ll explore how these practices not only save costs for healthcare providers but also play a crucial role in safeguarding lives.
The importance of medicine fridges
Medical refrigerators for the safe administering of medicines to patients. These specialised refrigeration units maintain a controlled environment, ensuring that medicines remain within their specified temperature ranges.
However, it is inevitable that over time, even the most reliable fridges can experience fluctuations that could compromise the integrity of stored medications.
The consequences of improper medication storage
Medication wastage is a critical issue in healthcare, contributing to increased operating costs and potential risks to patient health. Temperature variations outside of the cold chain can render medications ineffective or even harmful. The financial and medical repercussions of such mistakes highlight the importance of implementing preventative measures.
Safeguarding patient health: The role of medical fridge servicing
Investing in medical fridge servicing and calibration can help healthcare providers mitigate the risks that come with storing temperature-sensitive medication.
At CoolMed, we offer a comprehensive calibration service. When investing in these services, healthcare professionals can expect the following from our team:
Identifying and Addressing Issues
Our service contracts will involve a comprehensive inspection of your medical fridge components by a certified technician. This proactive approach can help to identify and address any potential issues in your medical equipment before they escalate into a permanent problem.
These timely repairs or replacements can prevent sudden breakdowns that might compromise the efficacy of stored medications. Some of the checks our servicing team will carry out will include:
- Assessment of medical fridge location to ensure appropriate positioning with sufficient airflow
- Calibration of internal and external fridge thermometers
- Adjustment of medical fridge temperatures to set point between +2°C and +8°C
- Removal of ice build-up
- Cleaning and maintenance of compressor/condenser parts
Ensuring Compliance with Regulations
Adherence to regulatory standards is non-negotiable in healthcare. As well as addressing any potential faults, our team will also make any necessary adjustments to make sure your medical fridge meets industry regulations.
Our calibration services ensure that your medical units always comply with industry standards and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties and any potential legal repercussions.
Long-term cost-efficiency through medication fridge calibration
Service and calibration contracts are an additional investment on top of the high cost of a medical fridge. However, the cost savings associated with it are most definitely worthwhile in the long term.
During 2022, 50% of vaccines were reported to have been wasted due to cold chain failures associated with power cuts. In monetary terms, this equated to approximately £2.9 million.
Regular servicing will help mitigate costs by preventing any permanent damage to your medical fridge and preventing medication spoilage. In turn, this will reduce the high costs associated with replacing high volumes of medications.
Why is medical fridge servicing important?
In the realm of medication storage, the significance of medical fridge calibration and servicing cannot be ignored. These practices not only save costs for healthcare providers but also ensure patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
By investing in medical fridge calibration and servicing, healthcare facilities can deliver quality care for all, and create a cost-efficient future.
Get in touch
For comprehensive medical fridge calibration solutions, please contact us today. Our expert technicians ensure that your medication storage systems meet and exceed industry standards.
