Reagents and patient specimens are temperature sensitive, and storage within the correct temperature range is critical for ensuring accurate test results. The use of equipment designed for storing these materials is important for safeguarding their integrity and maintaining regulatory compliance.
In addition, the reagents required to run instruments represent a significant cost to the lab, so it’s important to reduce the risk of financial loss due to temperature excursions.
Freezers capable of storage temperatures of -20°C or below are needed for storing certain materials, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. They are often used for longer-term storage.
When selecting freezers, lab managers should choose equipment designed to maintain the required temperature range. Reagents and media, for example, must be stored within the temperature range specified in the manufacturer's instructions for use.
In addition, with clinical labs doing more with fewer staff members, poorly performing or unreliable storage equipment is the last thing they should have to worry about. Facilities should choose equipment that is reliable and built to withstand the rigors of daily use in the lab.
GX Solutions cold storage equipment from Helmer Scientific has undergone Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) to ensure it performs reliably throughout its service life.
What is Accelerated Life Testing?
ALT is conducted during the design phase of the equipment manufacturing process. The goal of ALT is to identify and address possible system weaknesses prior to equipment being released for general use.
Testing protocols are conducted by running the equipment while exposed to increased environmental stress factors, much higher than would be experienced under normal use conditions. Examples include elevated ambient temperatures, elevated humidity levels, and elevated electrical voltage conditions.
Performing ALT ensures equipment is designed to deliver long-term reliability. Manufacturers should be able to provide information and results related to tests performed on equipment to back-up reliability claims.
GX Solutions cold storage equipment manufactured by Helmer Scientific is tested to perform consistently throughout a 10-year service life. As with all precision medical-grade equipment, regular service and preventive maintenance activities are essential to ensure peak performance.
OTHER BLOGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN...
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- Short-Staffed Labs Can Benefit from the i.C3® Information Center
- Supporting Sustainability in Clinical Labs
- Energy Efficient Lab Refrigerators, Freezers Reduce Cost of Ownership
Choosing freezers that have undergone rigorous testing to support reliability claims helps improve operational efficiencies by minimizing downtime and disruptions to workflow. Helmer Scientific supports the efforts of clinical labs by providing reliable freezers our customers can depend on.
