I'm updating a procedure on storage devices for our blood components. At issue: once a temperature has recovered --say a fuse blew and the freezer was too warm so all the components were moved temporarily, but now the temp. is back in range and the alarm has been tested -- how long must one wait before moving components back?

Or is it a question of just doing whatever is spelled out in one's procedure?

Thanks!

Our SOP states that the blood must have been at a stable temperature for 4 hours before moving it. If the fridge is fixed after 2 hours, we will transfer the products after another 2.

We monitor the device for 24 hours. We are also a blood bank with a lot of product so that might be why we err on the side of caution.

Our procedure states that the extent of requalification depends on the repair. The extent/type of requalification is documented on the repair form that is completed for each piece of equipment requiring service. The form needs to be completed before blood is moved back to the storage device. I usually monitor temp for 24 hours before returning blood to a storage device but this is not required by any regulatory agency (I think).

JB

24 hours here as well

Depends on the malfunction. If we had to replace the compressor it's 24 hours for sure. If it was just a fuse, we'd check the alarms and reload.

Same as David here. Even starting from room temp they cool down pretty quickly but we still like to see a full 24 hours pass.

I think it also depends on how good your temporary storage is. If you have another blood fridge to move it to that is pretty secure but if you have it in boxes or crammed in the Chem fridge then moving product back as soon as you are sure temp is stable seems reasonable. The only reason I can think of for waiting 24 hrs after temp stabilizes is if you are afraid the unit will fail again...and you may not want to keep moving all the product.