|
?:definition
|
-
Blood bank freezers designed for long-term storage of blood bank products and samples at temperatures below -65 degrees Celsius (-82 degrees Fahrenheit); the freezer temperature is frequently set at values lower than minimum requirements, typically between -80 and -100 degrees Celsius (-112 and -148 degrees Fahrenheit). These freezers are typically made with a corrosion-resistant (typically stainless steel) interior, minimizing the risk of adulteration, contamination, and/or corrosion of contents; they usually provide linear and/or controlled rate capabilities for a controlled rate of freezing, minimizing the effects of sudden cooling on the red blood cells (RBCs). Blood bank ultralow temperature freezers include automatic defrost capability, keeping the temperature in all the freezing chambers within preestablished limits; they also include sensors, controls, monitors, chart recorders, and alarms for dependable long-term storage following the requirements of blood storage standards. The freezers are available in several sizes and configurations (e.g., upright, chest) with internal shelving appropriate for blood bags. Programmed (e.g., linear rate) or manual control of the freezing rate is possible in most ultralow temperature blood bank freezers. Ultralow temperature blood bank freezers permit the storage of blood bank products for extended periods (typically several years); they are frequently used for preservation of products such as RBCs with cryoprotective agents such as glycerol at 40% or dimethyl sulfoxide and for long-term preservation of plasma.
|
![[This page as RDF]](https://research.tib.eu/covid-19/static/rdf-icon.gif){kind=icon}