If NO blood products are stored in a Blood Bank reagent refrigerator is there any requirement to continuously record the temperature (temp chart)?  I know it must be continuously monitored, but I do not think it needs to be continuously recorded. Ours is monitored and alarm checks are performed.  The temp (internal and digital) is recorded daily.  We have always had a recording graph chart, but it is not working (no fluctuation in actual temp, though).  We have been recording q4 hour temps, but I do not think it is necessary as long as no blood products are kept in that storage unit.  Anyone?

We do not have a chart recorder on our reagent refrigerator and have never used one for that purpose. We use a Hi/Lo thermometer and document those temps daily. We've been CAP inspected many times and CLIA inspected once - no problems.

Edited August 29, 201410 yr by AMcCord

As long as no blood products are stored there you should be fine with daily temps like any other "reagent" refrigerator in the lab.  I would ensure that I had a procedure that clearly states that no blood products are stored there and maybe a sign on the refrigerator reminding people to not put blood products in this refrigerator.

I agree with the other responders - only need to take temp 1x/day.

I also agree, once per day, and label refrigerator "for specimens only".

For those of you using hi/low thermometers, do you only document the actual temperature reading and that the hi/low was within range?  How often do you reset the hi/low reading (after alarm checks, etc?) 

 

I'm putting these in place for my generalist staff to verify the hi/low reading as well and working on my forms.  I'm sure I'm over thinking this process!  Thanks.

Same as others here......record the temperature once a day, label "for specimens or reagents only", no alarm, no temperature recordered. 

We document the Hi and Lo temps - both must be within range. The thermometer is reset daily after we take temps.

Just make sure your thermometers are calibrated and you will be fine with min/max. I found it's cheaper to replace the thermometers than to calibrate them though.

Thanks for the replies, very helpful!