Serums are one of health institutions’ most common support materials for treating different diseases. It is a liquid solution, the content of which varies according to the patient’s condition. The water contained in it is calculated as nine grams per six liters. Serum storage conditions differ depending on the type of it available; there are two kinds: isotonic and physiological. If it is not stored properly, it can deform quickly. The use of a deformed serum on a patient may even pose a life-threatening risk. Cabinets prepared for serum storage conditions provide various advantages and can be used safely. “Serum storage conditions, what are they?” and “What needs to be done to store it properly?” Answers to frequently asked questions are in our article.
What is Serum?
Serum, commonly used in hospitals, is essential in treating various diseases. It is administered intravenously and comes in different forms, often stored in bottles or bags. While not a direct treatment due to its lack of inherent therapeutic properties, it is crucial in supporting human anatomy and treatment processes.
The human body, comprising millions of cells, contains intracellular fluid of water, electrolytes, and minerals. The balance between this fluid and the different fluids outside the cells is vital for health. It is key to maintaining this balance, especially in liquid and electrolyte loss cases, such as accidents or vitamin deficiencies.
It typically contains 0.9% salt, sodium, and chlorine. Its administration is under a doctor’s guidance, directly or with added drugs or vitamins, depending on the patient’s needs. Adhering to mandatory procedures during its use is essential for patient safety and treatment efficacy. In this respect, serum storage conditions are critical, given its frequent need in medical settings. Hospitals regularly check their stocks, ensuring availability and maintaining ideal storage conditions using specialised equipment.
Types of Serums
Serums are essential fluids used for various therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in the medical field. They come in different types, each with specific components and uses, catering to diverse medical needs. One of the most commonly used types is the isotonic serum, also known as the physiological.
Isotonic Serum
The isotonic serum is a saline solution that closely resembles the salt concentration of the human body. It’s a salt-enriched version of pure water and can be prepared with normal or rock salt. This is crucial in maintaining the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance and is vital for treating various health issues. It contains sodium chloride, typically at a concentration of 0.09% in a 10 ml ampoule, and appears as a clear, colorless solution. It’s widely used in hospitals for several purposes. These include correcting salt and fluid imbalances in the body, diluting or preparing medications, washing wounds or body parts, and as a component in blood transfusion procedures, especially in treating kidney failure. Packaged in bottles or bags, it should be used within 15 days of opening to ensure its effectiveness and safety, and proper serum storage conditions must be observed.
Isotonic serum’s application methods vary, including intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injections. It’s also used for nasal congestion in infants and children. The benefits of isotonic serum are significant, owing to its sodium chloride content, which is compatible with the human body, providing essential minerals and preventing the spread of microbes and bacteria. However, caution is advised in its use, especially among individuals with high blood pressure, respiratory issues, diabetes, or heart and kidney disorders. Side effects, though rare, can occur, primarily at the injection site, such as bruising or redness. Overuse can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, sweating, fever, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Therefore, consulting healthcare professionals regarding its use and adhering to proper serum storage conditions is crucial to minimize risks and ensure safe and effective treatment.
Why Is The Serum Used?
The serum used for medical purposes is given to patients as a result of tests or can be added to the treatment due to different symptoms seen in patients. It can be used to treat an individual who has had an accident and can also be preferred for nutritional problems. Other situations where it is used can be listed as follows:
- In metabolic problems seen in individuals,
- If the intestines do not work properly,
- When the fluid-electrolyte balance in the person’s body is disturbed,
- Infections may occur after injury, accident, or surgery.
It shortens patients’ recovery time and can also treat symptoms caused by low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and vitamin deficiency. The frequent use of them in treatments also increases the amount needed. Considering the serum storage conditions, hospitals must take the necessary precautions to store them safely.
What Are The Serum Storage Conditions?
Serum storage conditions are very important so that its components do not lose effectiveness. In addition, they can be counted among the materials that can deteriorate due to heat-related reasons. It, likely to decline, can only be used to treat patients when the necessary storage conditions are met. The most important factor in serum storage conditions is temperature. Therefore, they must be stored under a certain temperature. It is necessary to follow up on it in terms of both the number and the expiration date. Ideally, the medical cabinets allow this follow-up to be carried out. At the same time, they have the necessary hygiene conditions to store them.
Serums, including isotonic serums that must be kept below 25 degrees, are generally used within 4 hours. If not used, its mouth should not be opened and kept closed. It is recommended that they be stored in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before use. If necessary precautions are not taken for serum storage conditions, deformations such as sediment formation can be seen.
On our website, you can check the Coolermed storage cabinets, which play an active role in the health sector with the devices they produce. You can also check the cabinets used to store drugs and medical products on the Coolermed.com site. Coolermed medical storage cabinets are offered in different features and volume options. It is also possible to transfer data with devices that contain memory cards so that all information can be saved.
Where Is The Serum Stored?
Serum storage conditions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the medical compound, and this is only possible with the right equipment selection. At this point, medical refrigerators come to the fore. Coolermed medical refrigerator cabinets offer innovative solutions for safely storing medical supplies, including optimal serum storage conditions. Medical cooler models used in different areas of the health sector are produced within the framework of the rules and regulations mandated by the state.
The Ministry of Health sets certain criteria for medical refrigerators, and the production of Coolermed’s medical refrigerators works according to the heat standards in the legislation. In this way, deterioration or deformation of the products, especially those sensitive like a serum, can be prevented. Coolermed medical storage cabinets also find a place in pharmacies.
Medical storage cabinets have refrigerator and freezer features, thus expanding the usage area. This feature also enables products to have different storage conditions. Large LED display and control panel in Coolermed medical refrigerator cabinets facilitate usage and product tracking. In this way, the data in the device can be stored on the memory card. Recorded transactions maximize the possibility of an ideal follow-up. There is also a thermal printer option in Coolermed medical refrigerator cabinets. Thanks to this option, the data saved in the device memory can be output.
You can read our previous article from https://coolermed.com/isotonic-serum-storage-conditions/.