AJLM2206 - CME/CMLE - Temperature Optimization Within 2 Uniquely Designed Courier Lockboxes During Extreme Summer Temperatures-Temperature Optimization Within 2 Uniquely Designed Courier Lockboxes During Extreme Summer Temperatures

Temperature Optimization Within 2 Uniquely Designed Courier Lockboxes During Extreme Summer Temperatures

Pdf Summary

The study focuses on optimizing temperature profiles within steel and polymer outdoor courier lockboxes used for transporting patient samples. External lockboxes are prone to exceeding recommended temperatures, especially in summer, leading to potential preanalytical errors. The research aimed to standardize ice and cold pack placement to reduce internal lockbox temperatures below the 22°C limit set by CLSI. Results showed that adding cold packs in the afternoon decreased temperatures in both types of lockboxes. Moreover, replacing ice packs in the morning with cold packs effectively lowered temperatures, particularly in polymer lockboxes. The study identified the importance of standardizing transport instructions to mitigate adverse conditions and emphasized the need for future lockbox designs to be large, climate-proof, and cost-effective. While this approach improved temperature control, challenges like sample freezing, costs, and clinic workflow impact were acknowledged. The study supports the feasibility of standardized monitoring systems for sample transport to address seasonal temperature variations and prevent preanalytical errors. Overall, the findings offer a practical and affordable strategy for reducing peak temperatures in steel and polymer lockboxes during extreme weather conditions, highlighting the significance of addressing temperature variations in external sample transport for accurate clinical testing.

Keywords

temperature profiles

steel lockboxes

polymer lockboxes

patient samples

preanalytical errors

cold pack placement

transport instructions

sample transport monitoring systems

seasonal temperature variations

clinical testing