Temperature Control in Cold Climates
Hi all,
We have an ongoing issue with temperature control of POC supplies that leave the hospital. More specifically I-STAT cartridges that are brought on ambulance runs for our regional NICU. We are located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and as you can imagine our winters are very cold. I keep a min/max thermometer in the carrying cases for the istats, and our low temps are consistently below the acceptable 18 degrees Celsius. When this happens I have the staff perform QC to verify the acceptability of the cartridges. This is causing us to go through a lot cartridges.
Does anyone else in a cold climate have solutions that have worked for them to keep the cartridges climate controlled? Any input is appreciated!
Thank you!
Ruth Harmala
POCC, Laboratory
UP Health System Marquette
Marquette, MI
Ruth.harmala@mghs.org
Sent via Groupsite Mobile.
| Topic | Replies | Likes | Views | Participants | Last Reply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iSTAT in NICU -chem 8, CG4 | 5 | 0 | 253 | ||
| Rotem Sigma Validation Help | 1 | 0 | 102 | ||
| Hemochron Sig Elite use outside of manufacturer temperature range | 2 | 0 | 170 |
Ruth,
I'm interested in the response as well, I am in Montana and have the same issue. What type of thermometer are you using currently?
Have you considered storing them in an insulated container or box?
Hi,
What type of case are they kept in? Is it an insulated case? Is there room to wrap the cartridges in a towel inside the case and place
the temperature monitor inside the towel with the cartridges.
Kathy Andrews
MLT, RT
Point of Care Coordinator /
Coordinatrice des Analyses Hors Laboratoire
Moncton & Miramichi Area /
Régions de Moncton et Miramichi
Horizon Health Network / Reseau de Sante Horizon
Tel: (506)-857-5315 Fax: (506) 857-5325
kathy.andrews@horizonnb.ca
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
From: Ruth Harmala via POCT Listserv (Groupsite) [mailto:users+1221842@poct.groupsite.com]
Sent: January-09-20 12:53 PM
To: Andrews, Kathy (LAB) (HorizonNB)
Subject: [POCT Listserv] Temperature Control in Cold Climates
ATTENTION! External email / courriel externe.
------- Horizon Health Network Disclaimer -------
This e-mail communication (including any or all attachments) is intended
only for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed and may
contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you are not the intended
recipient of this e-mail, any use, review, retransmission, distribution,
dissemination, copying, printing, or other use of, or taking of any action in
reliance upon this e-mail, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
e-mail in error, please contact the sender and delete the original and any
copy of this e-mail and any printout thereof, immediately. Your
co-operation is appreciated.
Le présent courriel (y compris toute pièce jointe) s'adresse uniquement à
son destinataire, qu'il soit une personne ou un organisme, et pourrait
comporter des renseignements privilégiés ou confidentiels. Si vous n'êtes
pas le destinataire du courriel, il est interdit d'utiliser, de revoir, de
retransmettre, de distribuer, de disséminer, de copier ou d'imprimer ce
courriel, d'agir en vous y fiant ou de vous en servir de toute autre façon.
Si vous avez reçu le présent courriel par erreur, prière de communiquer
avec l'expéditeur et d'éliminer l'original du courriel, ainsi que toute copie
électronique ou imprimée de celui-ci, immédiatement. Nous sommes
reconnaissants de votre collaboration.
Max, I use “Fisherbrand Traceable Thermometer/Clock/Humidity Meter” from FischerSci. (Item 06-662-4 on their website)
Don, I’ve thought about using a more insulated container. Right now we use a padded camcorder/camera bag. Respiratory therapy chose them. It’s convenient because it has a shoulder strap and has enough padding to protect the istat. Has anyone had any luck with a specific insulated container? I think something soft sided would work best, but I figured I’d ask here before I buy something.
Sent via Groupsite Mobile.
One thing we used to maintain temperature are reusable gel packs - usually they are refrigerated or frozen but putting room temperature ones in the insulated bags helps to slow the temperature changes.