Undercounter Blood Sample and Reagent Refrigerator

What is the Undercounter Blood Sample and Reagent Refrigerator?

A compact 2–8 °C refrigerator for patient blood samples, cross-match segments and transfusion reagents in a hospital laboratory. It fits below a bench, saves floor space and keeps small retained-sample volumes under alarmed and recorded temperature control at all times.

Overview

This undercounter format of 100–200 L is aimed at the transfusion laboratory rather than the blood storage room. It holds retained patient samples for the period set by local policy, typically seven days or more after transfusion, as well as antisera and reagent kits. A forced-air design with a digital controller keeps 2–8 °C, and a tight uniformity specification prevents haemolysis of samples near the evaporator. A lockable glass or solid door, drawers or racks for sample tubes, and an audible and visual alarm are standard. Because the unit is not intended for the storage of red cell units for transfusion, it does not normally include a chart recorder, although a data output is an option. Interior surfaces are smooth and easy to disinfect after a spill.

How does it work?

A laboratory blood bank refrigerator uses a vapour-compression circuit with forced-air circulation to hold a narrow temperature band. The cabinet has PU insulation, ducted shelves and a microprocessor controller that reads a control probe and cycles the compressor. A second, independent probe, often buffered in glycol, drives a separate alarm circuit with battery backup so that a control failure cannot go unnoticed. A chart recorder or electronic logger produces a continuous record. Air ducting and fan placement minimise cold spots near the evaporator to avoid freezing red cells and haemolysis. Units for samples and reagents can use a simpler undercounter design, while those for transfusion units need tighter uniformity, recording and validated alarm performance.

What are the key features?

• Undercounter format suited to benches in transfusion laboratories
• Forced-air circulation with uniformity that avoids freezing or haemolysis of samples
• Sample tube racks and drawers for retained patient samples
• Audible and visual high/low temperature alarm with door-ajar warning
• Smooth interior for disinfection after spills

What are the technical specifications?

A typical undercounter blood sample and reagent refrigerator configuration offers temperature range of 2–8 °C, net volume of 100–200 L, temperature uniformity of ≤ 3 K, cooling method of Forced-air circulation, refrigerant of R600a and controller of Microprocessor, digital display. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Undercounter Blood Sample and Reagent Refrigerator is used in retained patient sample storage, transfusion laboratory reagents, cross-match sample holding and serology kit storage. Across the wider Blood Bank Refrigerators class, laboratories also deploy it for retained patient samples, red cell storage and transfusion reagents.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, Council of Europe Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance of Blood Components, ISO 15189, IEC 61010-2-011 and IEC 61010-1. Certification candidates for this model are CE, ISO 9001 manufacturing and ISO 13485 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Install on a level floor with the clearance stated in the manual, away from heat sources, and allow the cabinet to stabilise before loading. Perform installation, operational and performance qualification, including temperature mapping and alarm challenge tests, and repeat after relocation or major repair. Calibrate probes and recorders at least yearly against traceable references. Clean condensers, check gaskets and test battery backups on schedule. Keep records of temperatures, alarms and corrective actions as required by your accreditation body and transfusion regulator.

How do I select the right Undercounter Blood Sample and Reagent Refrigerator?

Choose this variant when the need is retained samples and reagents rather than units for transfusion. Specify volume, rack format for tubes, alarm requirements and data output in the RFQ. If red cell units will be stored, select the upright model with chart recorder and independent alarm probe instead.

How does it compare with other Blood Bank Refrigerators variants?

Decide first what will be stored. Samples and reagents suit 2–8 °C undercounter or benchtop units, red cell units need 2–6 °C upright cabinets with chart recorder and independent alarm, and plasma needs a freezer or a combined cabinet. Compare temperature uniformity (2 K or better for units), recording method, battery duration and alarm contacts. If several cabinets are operated, choose remote monitoring with audit trail. Match capacity to peak stock and allow for growth. Check that the ambient range and power supply suit your laboratory, and ask for mapping data from the manufacturer.