How to Correctly Maintain a Lab Fridge

Lab fridges are an essential piece of equipment within scientific and healthcare settings. 

These specialised fridges play a vital role in preserving the integrity and safety of sensitive materials, reagents, and biological samples, ensuring their viability for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes. 

By providing precise temperature control and appropriate storage conditions, lab fridges help prevent product degradation and facilitate accurate experimental results.

Caring for Lab Fridges

Proper maintenance of lab fridges is crucial to ensure consistent temperature control, prevent contamination, and extend the lifespan of the equipment. 

Here are a few steps you can take to prolong the life of your laboratory fridge for as long as possible…

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is the foundation of proper lab fridge maintenance. 

Start by removing all items from the fridge and discarding expired or unnecessary materials. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning solutions and avoid abrasive or corrosive chemicals that could damage the interior. 

Wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, drawers, and gaskets, using a mild detergent or disinfectant. Pay special attention to spills and stains, as they can harbour bacteria and affect temperature regulation. 

Allow the fridge to dry thoroughly before restocking it.

It’s also a good idea to turn the fridge off while it’s empty to allow any ice build up to thaw. Most lab fridges come with automatic defrosting features, but it is still essential to regularly check for ice accumulation and manually defrost if necessary – ice buildup can hinder the performance of lab fridges. 

Temperature Monitoring & Calibration

Accurate temperature control is crucial for the proper storage of lab samples and materials. 

All lab fridges should feature an internal temperature probe that accurately monitors and stabilises drug/sample temperatures. Take regular temperature readings and check these against the recommended temperature range. Make any necessary adjustments to the fridge’s temperature settings accordingly.

Fridge calibration should be performed annually to ensure precise temperature control and to prolong the lifespan of your lab fridge. Annual fridge services will also ensure your lab fridge maintains optimum performance for as long as possible. 

At CoolMed, we offer our own calibration service. More information can be found here: https://www.coolmed.co.uk/calibration-service/. 

Organisation & Storage

Efficient organisation and storage practices help maintain optimal conditions within lab fridges. 

Arrange items in a logical and systematic manner, separating them based on their temperature requirements or usage frequency. This organisation not only facilitates easy access but also ensures proper airflow circulation within the fridge. 

Avoid overloading the fridge, as overcrowding can obstruct airflow and compromise temperature uniformity. Furthermore, use suitable containers and labels to prevent cross-contamination and enable quick identification of samples.

Door Seals & Gaskets

The integrity of your fridge’s door seals and gaskets is crucial for maintaining temperature stability. Inspect the seals and gaskets regularly for signs of wear, damage, or accumulation of debris. 

Clean them with a mild detergent and warm water to remove any residue that may interfere with the sealing. 

If you notice any defects or issues, promptly arrange for them to be replaced to maintain an airtight environment within your fridge.

Regular Fridge Services

To ensure the long-term functionality of your lab fridge, schedule annual maintenance and service checks. 

Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended maintenance intervals or engage the services of a professional engineer. Routine maintenance may include checking and cleaning the condenser coils, inspecting the compressor, testing the door switches, and verifying the proper functioning of the temperature control system. 

Timely identification and resolution of potential issues can prevent major breakdowns and preserve the integrity of stored materials.

At CoolMed we offer our own fridge servicing and calibrations to maintain the lifespan of your lab fridge for as long as possible. More information can be found here: https://www.coolmed.co.uk/annual-service/. 

Warranty

Our fridges are covered by a 5 year parts and labour warranty. You can extend this by a further 2 years for just £99. We make it a priority is to promptly replace any faulty components within this period.

Contact Us

Proper maintenance of a lab fridge is essential for preserving the quality, reliability, and safety of stored samples and materials. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your lab fridge operates optimally, maintains consistent temperatures, and prevents contamination. 

If you’d like to speak to us about how to correctly maintain your laboratory fridge, 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!