Introduction
Selecting the right laboratory fridge or freezers choice is an essential aspect of modern lab management. In order to supply today’s diverse range of laboratories with their varying storage needs, there are currently a wide range of products on the market.
Faced with such choice, it can be time consuming to find the right solution. Our guide below has been put together to help you determine the best refrigerator or freezer for your laboratory.
Starting with the specimens and supplies you intend to store, and moving to size, configuration and special features, we take you through the major considerations to find the best unit for your needs.
1. What are you storing?
Biological specimens
Biological specimens and samples require storage in cold environments to preserve their integrity over time. (Refrigeration, low or ultra low temperature freezing).
Blood components and products must be stored within specified temperature ranges to avoid degradation, as detailed below:
Group 1
Whole blood and red blood cells (Temp 1°-6°C storage 1°-10°C Transport)
Group 2
Platelets, Apheresis 20°-24°C for storage and transport
Group 2
Plasma -18°C for storage, remain frozen state for transport.
Additional size considerations
- Proposed storage time – Long-term storage may require temperature adjustments.
- Adjustable temperature controls, offering increased flexibility, will be required for the storage of some specimens and samples.
2. What size do you need
The following criteria should be considered when assessing Fridge or Freezer size requirements:
Capacity
Unit capacity requirements are normally linked to the size of the laboratory and the scale of operations. Larger hospitals, clinics or research facilities may require larger units or multiple smaller units to fulfil their storage needs.
Space registrations
Unit size may also be dictated by the layout of the laboratory. Tall units can maximise available storage space, whilst smaller units can provide a solution for labs restricted to over or under counter space.
Configuration
There are a large variety of configuration options within each product range, which will influence overall unit size. Where multiple products are to be housed within one unit, additional compartments may be required with independent temperature controls.
Additional size considerations
- Fridge or Freezer size and configuration should allow easy retrieval of items.
- Each fridge and freezer requires adequate ventilation (consideration must be given to the heat output of each unit).
Standard Sizes (litres)
Portable units – 26, 41, 65
Small units – 100, 140, 170, 200, 250, 280
Medium units – 400, 500, 600, 700, 800
Large units – 1000, 1500
3. Display & settings
All refrigeration and freezer models are available with either ECT-F thermostat or with ECT-TOUCH controller.
ECT-F Touch controller features a customizable real time temperature graphic always visible from the home page.
4. Security & special features
A range of additional features is available for refrigerator and freezer units to assist with security, record keeping, customisation and manoeuvrability.
Data & event recording
Event recording is available on all models for 10 years on SD card and the last year on Flash memory.
Security/emergencies
Alarm
Acoustic and visual alarms are available for temperature deviations and failures. Some models also cover power failures and faults with automatic recording even when the power is off.
Digital Key Locks
Provide additional security and allow restricted access to specimens and samples.
Customisation
Customisation options are available on a variety of fridge and freezer models, from shelves to drawers and dividers. This allows laboratories the flexibility to change the configuration of the unit, a a variety of different samples and specimens.
Some models offer individual temperature controls for multiple compartments, allowing the storage of multiple specimen types within a single unit.
Manoeuvrability
Some units are available with casters and brakes to allow easy relocation to different areas of the lab.
5. Energy output & environmental considerations
Energy efficiency is often a primary consideration for laboratory managers when choosing refrigeration and freezer units. Lorne Laboratories offer a range of energy efficient units:
- Emoteca has LED lights saving 70% of power usage as well as a longer product life. Lower power consumption is achieved without compromising performance. Uses eco friendly refrigerant gases and is recyclable by using eco-friendly materials meaning low environmental impact.
- SuperArctic combines sturdy construction and high insulation thickness using high density foam ensuring consistent low temperatures while power saving.
- The Portable refrigerator has high insulation properties offering a quality product with low power consumption.
Solutions by sector
Blood bank solutions
Emoteca
- Storage of blood and blood related products
- Blood banks and plasma freezer type
- 9 capacity versions from 100 to 1500
- Fridge temperature = +4 degrees
- Glass or solid doors
- 1 to 14 drawers
Hospital and Clinic Solutions
Medika
- Developed for hospitals/clinics/pharmacies.
- Optimal storage for temperature sensitive medical products.
- 10 capacity versions from 100 to 1500.
- Fridge temperature = +2 to +15 degrees.
- Glass Doors.
- 2 to 16 shelves per compartment.
- 3 to 28 drawers per compartment.
- Solid doors can be provided.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Solutions
Medika
- Developed for hospitals/clinics/pharmacies.
- Optimal storage for temperature sensitive medical products.
- 10 capacity versions from 100 to 1500.
- Fridge temperature = +2 to +15 degrees.
- Glass Doors.
- 2 to 16 shelves per compartment.
- 3 to 28 drawers per compartment.
Medika 2T
- Pharmacies/Pharmaceutical sector.
- 2-compartment version of Medika.
- 7 capacity versions from 280 to 1500.
- Fridge temperature = +2 to +15 degrees.
- Glass Doors.
- 6 to 16 shelves.
- 10 to 28 drawers.
Transportable solutions
Portable
- Transportation of medicines/vaccines/temperature controlled products.
- 3 capacity versions; C26, C41 and C65.
- Temperature range = +10 to -10 degrees for C26 and C41. +10 to -20 degrees for C65.
Lorne Labs offer a wide range of laboratory fridge and freezer units in specifications to meet the varying needs of laboratories around the world. For more information or a quotation, contact us today.