temperature range in cold chain equipment (refrigerators,
freezers, and cold boxes) to work properly. The WHO recommends a temperature range for keeping and shipping vaccines based on manufacturer data. Each vaccination has its own storage needs, so it is critical to know how long and at what temperature each vaccine maybe stored. All vaccines can be stored at +2 to +C. Only a few vaccinations maybe stored at negative temperatures (-15 to
-25°C). Equipment maintenance ensures that refrigeration equipment operates consistently and reliably in order to maintain the cold chain for vaccines (CDC, 2021).
Refrigerators,
freezers, portable coolers,
ice packs, and thermometers should be examined and cleaned regularly to ensure safe use (Rogers et alb. Equipment inspections are performed periodically to ensure that it is in good operating order and to detect and minimize any problems (CDC, Policies and processes for repairing and maintaining malfunctioning equipment should be established ahead of time as well (Rogers et alb. The CDC (2008) recommends softly tugging on apiece of paper held behind the door seal. The paper should beheld in place by a good seal. Problems that cannot be reliably repaired should be directed to an authorized appliance technician for immediate service (CDC, 2008). According to Rogers et al. (2010b),
a logbook should be utilized with cold chain storage equipment to record and track installation dates,
repair dates, and routine maintenance. Refrigeration storage equipment should not be put in places with large temperature swings, such as near intermittent direct sunlight or changeable
heating or cooling equipment, unless the ambient room temperature is less than For C (WHO, 2002). According to Rogers et alb, preventative maintenance and inspections of portable coolers must address serviceability and cleanliness to maintain dependable cold chain storage equipment. It is critical to follow storage requirements while transporting and distributing pharmaceutical items (Kim et al., This covers the temperature
and humidity of containers, storage facilities,
and vehicles, since
22
delivered pharmaceutical items maybe harmful even if they are genuine products if the temperature and humidity are not correctly managed (ibid).
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