Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous snakes and spiders, making antivenoms a critical resource in medical emergencies. The effectiveness of these life-saving treatments hinges not only on their timely administration but also on their proper storage. In this blog, we'll explore the best practices for storing snake and spider antivenoms in Australia, emphasising the importance of maintaining them at temperatures below 8°C.
The Importance of Proper Antivenom Storage
Antivenoms are biological products derived from the antibodies of animals, typically horses, that have been immunised with venom. Due to their biological nature, antivenoms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can degrade their potency. Improper storage can render these crucial treatments ineffective, posing significant risks to patients in need.
Guidelines for Antivenom Storage
-
Temperature Control: The most crucial factor in antivenom storage is maintaining a consistent temperature. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommends storing antivenoms at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Temperatures above or below this range can lead to the degradation of the active components, reducing the effectiveness of the antivenom.
-
Avoid Freezing: Freezing can cause irreversible damage to the protein structure of antivenoms. It’s vital to ensure that antivenoms are stored in equipment that provides precise temperature control, avoiding the risk of accidental freezing.
-
Use of Reliable Refrigeration: For facilities storing antivenoms, such as hospitals, clinics, and research institutions, the use of reliable refrigeration is essential. Laboratory fridges that maintain a stable environment within the 2°C to 8°C range are ideal.
Thermoline’s Laboratory Fridges: Ensuring Safe Antivenom Storage
At Thermoline, we understand the critical importance of proper antivenom storage. Our range of laboratory fridges is designed to meet the rigorous demands of storing sensitive biological products like antivenoms. Here’s why our fridges are a trusted choice:
-
Precision Temperature Control: Thermoline’s laboratory fridges offer advanced temperature control, ensuring that the storage environment remains within the recommended 2°C to 8°C range at all times.
-
High-Quality Construction: Built with robust materials and state-of-the-art technology, our fridges are engineered for durability and reliability, providing peace of mind to medical professionals.
-
Alarm Systems: Equipped with alarms for temperature deviations, our fridges provide an added layer of security, alerting staff immediately if there is any risk of the antivenoms being stored outside of the safe temperature range.
-
Compliance with Australian Standards: Our laboratory fridges are designed to comply with Australian standards for medical and laboratory refrigeration, ensuring that your facility meets all regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The storage of snake and spider antivenoms is a matter of life and death. Maintaining these vital treatments at temperatures under 8°C is essential to preserving their effectiveness. Thermoline’s range of laboratory fridges offers the reliable and precise temperature control needed to ensure that antivenoms are always ready for use when needed most.
For more information on our laboratory fridges and how they can support your facility’s antivenom storage needs, contact us today.
