Where Sustainability Meets Security: Improving Blood Banking Cold Storage Equipment

Patients with sickle cell anemia, those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment and individuals with traumatic injuries or severe bleeding all rely on blood transfusions. While we are experiencing a global blood supply shortage, it’s critical that the blood and blood components we have are safe and able to be used for the patients who need them. Blood banks are critical for processing and storing blood and blood components. Still, because they need to maintain specific temperatures, they often require large amounts of energy or rely on more hazardous chemicals to safely and effectively store blood. However, blood banks are increasingly seeking more sustainable options that can still meet regulatory requirements.

Choosing the right cold storage for blood banking

When selecting cold storage solutions for blood banking, it is crucial to ensure that the equipment meets stringent regulatory standards and provides reliable performance to maintain the integrity of blood products. Cold storage solutions for blood banking should comply with regulatory standards, such as those established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. FDA-listed Class II Medical Devices and AABB SCoPE programs are specific compliance standards that help guarantee safety and performance.

For cold storage solutions in blood banking, temperature stability and temperature monitoring are paramount. Units should offer tight temperature control to maintain the integrity of blood products. The storage temperature should consistently remain within the required range (e.g., 2–6°C for blood bank refrigerators). Cold storage units should also include reliable temperature monitoring systems, such as factory-installed chart recorders, to provide continuous and accurate records for compliance and audits. Other additional features that can enhance functionality and safety include surge suppressors, seismic restraint kits, and remote alarm modules. Additionally, some options offer customizable features, such as alternate door swing configurations and specialty plugs, to fit specific needs and regional requirements.

Improving sustainability in cold storage for blood banking

In addition to providing blood and blood component safety, some suppliers are incorporating more sustainable features into product design. To deliver the same high-quality performance required for storage, sustainability is being considered at every stage of product development, not just as an afterthought. One more sustainable feature that’s being incorporated is energy efficiency. More energy-efficient cold storage solutions can help reduce operational costs and support broader sustainability goals. Some freezers offer technology that adapts to usage patterns to save energy. ENERGY STAR® and My Green Lab ACT certification are two external certifications that can help provide third-party credibility to a supplier’s claim. 

Certain refrigerants commonly used in cold storage solutions can have high global warming potential (GWP). However, some suppliers offer greener refrigerants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Significant New Alternatives Policy and the European Union’s F-gas Regulations have standards for refrigerants with lower GWP that can phase out the more hazardous refrigerants. Cold storage solutions that are well-constructed, such as those with stainless steel interiors, can withstand frequent use and provide long-term reliability, meaning blood banks can replace units less frequently.

By focusing on performance and sustainability, blood banks can ensure that the cold storage they select meets the necessary standards for safety, performance, and efficiency. The right cold storage solution can help keep the blood and blood component supply safe and more sustainable.