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Considerations when Choosing a Blood Bank Refrigerator

Issues to consider when choosing a blood bank refrigerator are described here, such as temperature zones, vaccine storage capacity, daily icepack freezing capacity, performance at extreme external temperatures, power source/variability, reliability and price.

Size and Energy Use

Refrigeration requires significant energy and choosing a refrigerator which is properly sized for the intended need is critical. Oversized blood bank refrigerators have been observed in many developing countries. For more information on Energy Efficient refrigerators see Energy Efficiency.

Blood bank refrigerators come in many different sizes. The size of the refrigerator is typically closely correlated to its energy use. (Photo: Jeff Haeni)

Temperature Zones

Understand temperatures zones when evaluating equipment. Temperatures/geographic zones determinations should be based on the prevailing climate of the area. Hot zone equipment can be used in temperate zones, but equipment for temperate zones should not be used in hot zones unless care is taken. Temperate zone appliances should be used in health facilities which can maintain a temperature below +32°C.

Vaccine Storage Capacity

Know the temperatures range of the refrigerator: (a) At 0-8°C, or (b) At -20°C.

Daily Icepack Freezing Capacity

Capacity is crucial if large quantities of frozen icepacks are needed and/or when the appliance is also used for vaccines. If the program requires only icepack freezing, and capacity is not a major concern, any locally available freezer with low power consumption can be used.

Performance at Extreme External Temperatures (32°C to 43°C)

Internal minimum and maximum temperatures; and High daytime and low night time temperatures.

Power Source/Variability

Understand the type of power available as well as the availability of the power. If grid power is available, what is the voltage (50 or 60Hz), and is supply continuous or not?

Holdover Time During Power Failures

Continuous refrigeration is required for vaccine storage, and it is often difficult to ensure this in areas where power sources are intermittent or fuel is of poor quality. Ice-lined refrigerators can provide stable refrigeration even in areas of intermittent power. The longer the “holdover time” of the refrigerator, the better the chances the vaccine will survive a power outage.

Reliability

Know the availability of spare parts and the proximity of repair facilities. Spare parts and repairs account for 40–50% of the whole-life cost of a refrigerator. To avoid shortages later, purchase these spares at the time the equipment is purchased.

Price

Include freight costs and freight times in cost evaluations. When placing your order, include a request for a thermometer; order a voltage stabilizer for electrical equipment if local conditions require one, and remember to specify the language for user’s and service manuals.

Training

Are the users and those in charge of maintenance of the equipment properly trained? The importance of users and technicians’ training is often underestimated and therefore under-budgeted. A cold chain system with good equipment but insufficiently trained staff may seriously hamper an immunization program.

CFCs

All models that meet the Montreal Protocol standards are CFC-free.