A safe and efficient blood cold chain for global and domestic distribution is essential for ensuring safe and reliable blood products for all patients.
DGP Intelsius, a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of temperature-controlled packaging solutions based in York, has extended its high-performance ORCA range of temperature-controlled packaging, introducing the +22°C Plantol Phase Change Material (PCM). This new PCM has been specifically formulated to meet the global requirements for transporting whole blood products at the temperature range 20-24°C.
Transportation of blood and blood products within the correct temperature range and conditions is of the utmost importance from the point of collection from blood donors to transfusion to the patients. While transporting products from A to B may sound straightforward, a highly efficient system must be in place to ensure the correct temperature is maintained throughout the journey. In addition, excursion risks could mean that blood products could become less reliable, contaminated, unsafe, or wasted.
The transit time for blood and blood components should not normally exceed 24 hours: any excursions from the specified temperature ranges during transportation can have detrimental effects on the efficacy of blood constituents, which could reduce the clinical benefits.
To ensure an uninterrupted and precise temperature-controlled blood cold chain, red blood cell components must be kept at a temperature of 2 – 10°C during transportation. In addition, all components routinely stored at 20 – 24°C need to be held at these temperatures during shipment, and all frozen components need to maintain their frozen state.
Frozen components, such as Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), have been rapidly frozen within 6-8 hours of collection, and their temperature needs to be maintained at -20°C or lower during transportation.
Intelsius’ ORCA is a high-performance range of solutions that provide up to 168 hours of superior thermal protection for 2-8°C, 15-25°C, -20°C, and deep-frozen temperature sensitive payloads. In addition to this, with the now greater need for more complex shipping systems, the ORCA 20-24°C provides a comprehensive solution to the range, providing exemplary performance in hot conditions over 144 hours against ISTA 7D, for every sized ORCA.
ORCA systems are designed to manage excursion risks, control costs, and prioritise patient safety. The range utilises advanced Plantol PCMs and Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) to create high performance while reducing volumetric weight.