It is important to ensure that the refrigerator:
Is fitted with a gas thermostat and whenever possible is tropicalized, i.e. very well insulated.
Is sited in a cool, airy, secure place away from direct sunlight. It must be level (checked by using a spirit level) and correctly installed.
Maintains the correct temperature for storing blood, ideally 4–6 C and not outside the range 2–8 C. A thermometer (preferably maximum/ minimum type) must be kept inside the refrigerator in a bottle of water and each morning the temperature should be checked and recorded on a chart.
Is correctly and safely connected to a gas supply.
The gas must not be allowed to run out.
Whenever possible two cylinders with an automatic change-over valve should be used. When this is not possible, the amount of gas in the cylinder must be monitored. In practice, the amount of gas used by the refrigerator over a period of time becomes known so that a judgement can be made when to change a cylinder in advance of the gas running out. Any gas remaining in the former cylinder can be used elsewhere in the hospital.
Is maintained as recommended by the manufacturer.
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