Items that must stay cold.
WHAT REQUIRES IT
Vaccines Insulin Certain biologicals and reagents
WHY IT MATTERS ABSOLUTELY
Products outside their temperature range lose effectiveness invisibly.
WHAT INVISIBLY MEANS
The product looks identical and does not work.
WHAT THE CHAIN COVERS
Manufacturer to distributor to you to the patient.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT DELIVERY
How the supplier transported it Whether temperature was monitored Evidence on arrival
WHAT TO DO ON RECEIPT
Check the temperature indicator, where present Transfer to refrigeration immediately Record the receipt
WHAT REFRIGERATION REQUIRES
A dedicated unit, not a domestic food fridge where avoidable A thermometer, read and recorded Consistent temperature within the specified range Backup power
WHY A DEDICATED UNIT
Frequent opening and stored food destabilise temperature.
WHAT TO RECORD
Temperature, at defined intervals, every day.
WHY
It is required, inspected, and it is the evidence that products remained viable.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH IN ADVANCE
What happens on a power failure: how long the unit holds, and at what point stock is discarded.
WHY IN ADVANCE
The decision must not be made under commercial pressure.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FAILURE
Establish the duration and temperature reached Apply the rule Record the decision
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Dispense products of uncertain temperature history.
WHAT TO TELL PATIENTS
How to store the product at home.
