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Editorial Note
Robert Steinglass and Michel Othepa have a query on the storage of BCG and measles vaccine as newer vaccines are introduced. Merritt Jenkins posts information on a new ice pack design. Larry Schlusser looks for application possibilities for a new solar sterilizer. The issue is rounded off with a job announcement.
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With the arrival of newer vaccines that must be refrigerated at
positive temperatures, many countries will be struggling to adjust their
usual practices to accommodate the bulkier vaccines. If there is
insufficient space in the positive temperature cold room(s) at the national
or the regional level, staff will be tempted to shift the unreconstituted
BCG or measles vaccine to the freezer to make room in the refrigerated
cold room for bulkier vaccines such as the penta and pneumo, which truly
must not be frozen.
I realize that WHO no longer recommends that freeze-dried vaccines be
stored at -20deg C. While storing them at minus 20deg C is not
harmful, it is considered 'unnecessary'. Instead, these vaccines
are recommended for positive-temperature refrigerated storage at all
levels. Yet, I know that unreconstituted BCG and measles vaccines can
be stored at freezing temperatures without damage to the vaccine. Until
additional refrigerated space can be located for safe storage at
positive temperatures, does WHO consider it reasonable to store
unreconstituted BCG and measles at freezing temperatures?
[Read more]
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I am part of a Dartmouth engineering group working on redesigning ice packs for small vaccine carriers. Our intention is to eliminate the need for ice pack defrosting, and ensure vaccines are never subjected to freezing temperatures. We plan to achieve this through a two chambered ice pack design. One chamber would contain ice, while the other would be filled with tap water.
Our research indicates that nobody has investigated such a design, and that cold water packs are the only alternative to ice packs that have been researched. Is anyone familiar with other ice pack designs? Any information would be helpful.
Furthermore, we are having difficulty sourcing vaccine carriers and ice packs. These products appear to be produced in India, and only sold in bulk. If anyone knows of where to source vaccine carrier equipment within the U.S., that would be a huge help.
[Read more]
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Sun Frost recently developed a solar oven capable of air sterilizing medical equipment. For air sterilizing, a temperature of 190°C must be achieved for 6 minutes. The heart of the sterilizer is an evacuated tube solar collector. The interior of the oven is cylindrical in shape and is 11.5 cm in diameter and 91 cm long. The tube is essentially a thermos bottle. The interior (temperature) can be at 190°C and the exterior will be at room temperature. Because heat losses are so small, sterilizing temperatures can be achieved even in marginal solar conditions. The oven walls are glass. We are currently looking for applications for this technology. If you have suggestions please let us know.
[Read more]
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UNICEF invites applications for the post of Technical Specialist. The incumbent would need to provide advice on technical issues related to the supply of cold chain and waste management products to Procurement Services customers.
Brief job description:
• Strengthens the technical capacity of UNICEF Country Offices to respond to external technical enquiries for cold chain and waste management supplies and infrastructure.
• On request, helps with the implementation of a regular quality monitoring system for a selected range of cold chain products, including field performance evaluation.
• Monitors that technical specifications are updated and maintained for cold chain and waste management.
[Read more]
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