How Common are ULT Storage Facilities (-8O°C) in Hospitals?

Did you know that a standard ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer can use as much energy in one day as the average household? According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, hospitals and laboratories can save on energy bills by adopting energy-efficient ULT storage solutions. Despite the high energy consumption, ULT freezers are becoming more popular and widely used across hospitals, biomedical labs, and research centers.

What Are ULT Freezers & Why Are They Essential?

Ultra-low temperature freezers, often set to a range of -80°C (-112°F), are critical for storing vaccines, biological samples, and blood derivatives. These freezers play a crucial role in preserving sensitive materials for long-term storage. Their reliable temperature control makes them indispensable in healthcare and life sciences, especially in research and development environments.

While ULT freezers have been available for over 50 years, their demand surged during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the need for vaccine storage. Proper storage of vaccines is essential, ensuring that they remain effective from production through distribution. ULT freezers keep vaccines potent until they’re administered, which is why they’ve become a standard piece of equipment in hospitals and research labs.

Types of ULT Freezers

When considering ULT freezers, it’s important to choose the right type for your lab’s needs. Here are the main types:

• Chest Freezers: These units generally offer more storage space and better energy efficiency but are harder to access quickly due to their horizontal design. They are ideal for labs with large storage needs.
• Upright Freezers: Upright models are easier to access and organize, as they provide a vertical design similar to standard refrigerators. However, they tend to consume slightly more energy compared to chest freezers.
• Undercounter Freezers: These compact models fit neatly under lab counters, making them ideal for small labs with limited space. While they offer less storage capacity, they are a good solution for laboratories with more moderate sample storage needs.

Each freezer type has its benefits depending on the lab’s size, storage requirements, and energy usage considerations.

Benefits of Ultra-Low Temperature Storage

ULT freezers offer a range of benefits, making them highly valuable in pharmaceutical, healthcare, and life sciences laboratories across the United States. Here’s why they’re becoming more common:

Low Sound & Sustainability‍

Modern ULT freezers are designed with sound reduction systems that don’t compromise their connection to HVAC systems. While energy consumption can be high, energy-efficient models offer long-term cost savings. High-quality ULT freezers come with transparent information about power consumption, service life, and recyclability, making them a sustainable investment for many labs.

Some models even include advanced features like alert systems for compressor failures, defrost issues, and other critical alarms, ensuring the longevity of the unit and safeguarding samples.

Greater Storage Capacity‍

ULT freezers offer improved storage capacity with thick inner doors, efficient gaskets, and faster recovery times. Temperature control is key, and maintaining the proper ambient temperature in the freezer’s location is important to maximize its efficiency.

Ideal for Sample Storage‍

ULT freezers can be customized with multiple temperature chambers, ensuring precise control over each compartment. With advanced temperature monitoring, often supported by microprocessors, these freezers ensure that biological samples, proteins, vaccines, and other materials remain preserved under the right conditions.

A Vital Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic‍

When the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rolled out, there was a shortage of dry ice used in shipping containers to keep vaccines cold. ULT freezers became an essential alternative for maintaining the cold chain, preserving the integrity of vaccines during distribution. Although funding for these units was limited in some areas, they played a crucial role in safely delivering vaccines to communities.

Best Practices for Maintaining ULT Freezers

Maintaining ULT freezers properly can extend their lifespan and ensure they operate efficiently. Here are a few best practices:

• Defrosting: Regular defrosting prevents ice buildup that can affect freezer efficiency. Schedule periodic defrosting, especially if your freezer doesn’t have automatic defrost technology.
• Temperature monitoring: Keep a close eye on temperature stability by using reliable temperature monitoring systems. If possible, install wireless or automated systems that can alert you to any fluctuations.
• Cleaning: Clean the freezer’s interior and exterior regularly to avoid contamination and ensure that samples remain safe. Pay attention to door seals and gaskets, which can wear over time and impact temperature control.
• Backup power solutions: Having a backup power source is crucial, particularly in areas prone to power outages. A backup generator ensures that your ULT freezer continues operating during emergencies, protecting valuable samples.

How Common Are ULT Freezers in Hospitals?

Ultra-low temperature storage facilities are now an integral part of hospitals, laboratories, and biorepositories. Their use is widespread across various industries:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities: ULT freezers store plasma, vaccines, and biological samples like stem cells, bone marrow, and sperm. Proper cold storage ensures that these critical samples are available for use in medical treatments and research.
• Pharmaceutical companies: Pharmaceutical firms rely on ULT freezers to preserve plasma, vaccines, and biologics, ensuring they maintain potency until administration.
• Research labs: ULT storage is essential for preserving biological materials used in ongoing research, particularly in the life sciences and biotech fields.

In addition to the healthcare sector, ULT freezers are also used in industries like agriculture and food preservation to store perishable items like fish, ice cream, and meats.

Key Considerations for Using ULT Freezers

As ULT freezers become more common, it’s important to understand their operational requirements:

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability‍

ULT freezers are known for their high energy consumption. However, modern units with Energy Star certification and advanced technology consume less energy and reduce operational costs over time. Energy-efficient models also help laboratories lower their carbon footprint, contributing to sustainability goals.

Temperature Control & Monitoring‍

Temperature uniformity is critical in ULT freezers. Many models offer precise temperature monitoring systems, which ensure that biological materials are stored at the correct temperature. Inadequate temperature control can lead to sample degradation, so investing in a reliable ULT freezer with built-in monitoring and alert systems is essential.

Storage Capacity & Design‍

When choosing a ULT freezer, consider the storage capacity and design that best fits your lab’s needs. Options include chest freezers, upright models, and undercounter freezers. Each comes with its own advantages in terms of storage space and accessibility.

Regulatory Guidelines for ULT Freezers

Meeting regulatory requirements is essential when using ULT freezers. Here are key guidelines that govern their use:

• CDC requirements: For vaccine storage, including COVID-19 vaccines, ULT freezers must comply with CDC guidelines to ensure proper temperature management and vaccine integrity.
• NIH guidelines: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers recommendations on maintaining and using ULT freezers for research purposes, particularly for storing sensitive biological samples.
• Energy star certification: Choosing Energy Star-rated ULT freezers helps labs reduce energy consumption while complying with industry standards for energy efficiency.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your lab operates within regulatory standards, which is critical for healthcare and research compliance.

Cost Considerations for ULT Freezers

ULT freezers represent a significant financial investment. Here are some key cost factors to consider:

Operational Costs‍

The energy consumption of ULT freezers can be substantial, especially for older models. However, energy-efficient models, particularly those with Energy Star certification, offer long-term savings by reducing operational costs.

Financing Options‍

Leasing ULT freezers is a cost-effective option for labs looking to manage their budget while accessing the latest equipment. At Excedr, we provide leasing options that allow labs to acquire ULT freezers without a large upfront cost. We also help you explore warranties and service agreements.

Rebates & Incentives‍

Depending on your location, there may be rebates or incentives for purchasing energy-efficient ULT freezers. These can help offset the cost of new equipment and further reduce operational expenses.

Does Your Lab Need a ULT Freezer?

As hospitals and research centers continue to rely on ultra-low temperature storage for vaccines and biological samples, demand for ULT freezers is expected to grow. Whether you're storing vaccines, plasma, or other critical materials, ULT freezers offer the long-term storage and temperature control needed to maintain sample integrity.

Buying a ULT freezer from a distributor can be expensive, but Excedr is here to help. We can guide you through the process of selecting the right ULT freezer for your lab—whether it's an undercounter, chest, or upright model. We’ll help you explore leasing options, support your warranty needs, and ensure you have the cold storage space to continue your critical work.

Contact Excedr today to learn more about your options and find the perfect ULT freezer for your lab.