The value and safety inherent in medical grade refrigeration is certainly clear, with pharmacy historically benefitting from the adoption of this technology. All too often, medications leave the secure storage of pharmacy and are sent to the floor where dorm units and refrigerators sourced from the local hardware store are the norm. Endemic to these non-medical grade refrigerators are erratic temperature fluctuations, long time frames to achieve the correct temperature after the door has been opened, and a lack of automated monitoring to alert users of out of range temperatures. Fortunately, half of all facilities are planning to purchase additional medical grade refrigerators for unit based medication storage over the next 3 years. Similarly, pharmacies are also looking to increase their purchasing of these units, although at a slower pace.

For more information, visit www.pppmag.com/rs and click on Temperature Monitoring and Refrigeration.