Hello again, and welcome to the Coreco Medical Lab blog. As you know, a refrigerator is part of a laboratory’s basic equipment, but understanding its importance goes beyond what might seem obvious at first glance.
The function of a refrigerator in a laboratory is to keep any item—whether it be a vaccine, medication, reagent, or biological sample—in a controlled environment (a refrigerated space) so that it remains in perfect condition for use.
The lower and more stable the temperature, the lower the chemical and biological activity.
These types of items that require refrigeration are very sensitive to certain low or high temperatures. Most of these materials can only be safely stored within a very precise and stable temperature range.
Keeping them safely stored day after day is also vital for optimizing inventory and ensuring the laboratory’s profitability. Having a reliable laboratory refrigerator is essential for ensuring that the entire process runs smoothly.
What are the uses of this equipment?
Although it may be easy to identify, the primary function of a laboratory refrigerator is to properly store any type of substance so that, when conducting analyses or administering a medication or vaccine, the desired results are achieved.
These laboratory supplies, which play a major role in the management and storage of substances, should be considered essential and vital in any laboratory, no matter how small.
It’s important to remember that the key to making this work is keeping the temperature low; therefore, you need to know what the ideal temperature is for what you want to preserve and ensure that the equipment maintains it effectively.
The most commonly used temperature ranges are between +2 and +8 degrees Celsius and also between -10 and -30 degrees Celsius.
What are the essential features a laboratory refrigerator should have?
One key feature for this type of refrigerator would be a large surface area for placing products. In addition, the refrigerator should be compact in size, as this optimizes space and also reduces overall costs.
A second important feature would be for the control panel to include settings for displaying temperature alarms and managing temperature using a probe equipped with product simulation.
This will allow us to act quickly to prevent product loss in the event of any breakdown or power outage.
Another feature is the use of epoxy-coated ventilated evaporators, which ensure uniform air circulation inside the chamber. This ensures that all samples, vaccines, or medications remain at the same temperature.
It is also advisable to have a security lock with a built-in key and a shelving system made of steel wire mesh. Ideally, the coating should be epoxy. This adds two more features that would round out the ideal laboratory refrigerator.
If we also specify that the refrigeration units be capable of operating with R600a gas and that the rest of the components comply with the ATEX 014/34/EU standard, this will result in a 100% unit that is both practical and safe, guaranteeing excellent results.
What are the special features of a laboratory refrigerator?
It is important for you to have a basic understanding of the components of a laboratory refrigerator. This will allow you to identify each of its functions, parts, and components, learn how to use it, and get the most out of it.
This type of refrigerator consists of an evaporator, followed by the storage compartment, where each item is placed. Finally, there is the thermostat, which controls the temperature, and the refrigeration system.
What factors should be considered to ensure the proper operation of a laboratory refrigerator?
Every refrigerator you'll find in a laboratory plays a crucial role. Thanks to them, biological substances and reagents can be preserved. This ensures that the analyses and studies conducted using them will be more accurate.
Remember that the chemical and biological activity of substances increases significantly with temperature; therefore, proper sample storage is vital for any laboratory—otherwise, the samples’ properties will be altered and they will begin to degrade.
The refrigeration process occurs through a phenomenon related to the physics of heat transfer; that is, it can occur through compression or absorption.
Compressor refrigerators are typically used in places where there is a steady supply of electricity, while absorption refrigerators are used when there is no electricity.
The instruments and equipment found in a laboratory play a vital role in each of the processes. In fact, they are essential to the smooth operation of a laboratory.
Basic Recommendations for Use
When installing a laboratory refrigerator in your space, it is important to follow a series of recommendations to ensure that your equipment is properly maintained.
It is important to note that, for refrigerators to operate most effectively, they must be placed in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Our basic recommendation is to keep it completely out of direct sunlight; this will ensure optimal performance.
It should be placed at least 15 centimeters away from the wall, as this also promotes air circulation, thereby ensuring a longer service life for the refrigerator.
Coreco Refrigerators: More Than Just a Refrigerator
In Coreco We have developed a robust line of refrigerators for all types of laboratories.
Our refrigerators offer storage capacities ranging from 70 to 2,200 liters, with temperature ranges between +2 and +8 degrees Celsius and between -10 and -30 degrees Celsius.
We have obtained the most important quality certifications, as well as national and international approvals and certifications in the areas of hygiene, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and environmental standards. Here you can view all of them.
If you'd like, you can download our catalog at this link to learn more about the entire lineup.
We can also contact you directly here and we'll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.
