Clinical laboratories need to ensure that temperature-sensitive reagents and patient samples are stored properly to ensure accurate test results. Medical-grade cold storage designed to maintain strict temperature ranges helps safeguard the integrity of these materials. It also supports labs in their efforts to meet regulatory standards and reducing the risk of financial loss.
Medical Laboratory Management (MLM) conducts an annual survey on the adoption of technology and automation in hospital laboratories. This survey collects data from a nationwide random sample of laboratory directors and administrators regarding the adoption of technology, vendor satisfaction, and plans to purchase new systems. It asks respondents to provide feedback on categories such as refrigeration, chemistry analyzers, and other technologies or automation systems used in clinical labs.
MLM recently released the 8th Annual State of Laboratory Technology Results from MLM’s 2021 National Survey. Responses were received from 317 laboratory leaders from facilities of different types and sizes across the country. In the 2021 survey, MLM asked participants questions related to the adoption of medical-grade refrigerators and freezers as well as the vendor systems in use. Helmer Scientific was reported as the most commonly used brand by the laboratory leaders surveyed.
Adoption of medical-grade refrigeration is a trend that has continued to grow over time. The vast majority of respondents (96%) report using at least some medical-grade cold storage and 43% indicated exclusive use of medical-grade equipment. The survey notes that other than a small downturn in 2018, the exclusive use of medical-grade refrigeration has risen during the last five years and did not drop during the pandemic.
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The MLM survey supports the importance of using reliable, high performance, medical-grade cold storage. The report says, “The integrity of refrigerated products is essential for effective QA and QC procedures, as well as regulatory and accreditation standards. Today’s devices are sophisticated and provide ample control over this sensitive practice area.”
Helmer Scientific supports clinical laboratories, the patients they serve, and their efforts to ensure accurate test results. We would like to express our gratitude to all staff involved in the diagnostic testing that is critical for treating patients and saving lives. We are here to help you properly store your critical materials at all times.
To learn more about medical-grade refrigeration, visit our website.
Graphics Credits: MLM
