The technology behind PharmaScout: what makes our solution different

Here’s a clichè you wouldn’t expect with fridges: don’t judge a book by its cover. In this article, we dig down into some of the technology behind PharmaScout fridges and what makes us a little different.

Not all fridges are created equal. That’s a phrase that sounds pithy but has a ring of truth to it and one that we poured our hearts, expertise and experience into when creating PharmaScout fridges.

We shared the journey to creating our top-grade fridges in more detail in this article, but one key paragraph we want to excerpt here:

“Like many niche products, PharmaScout was born out of a problem no one else could solve. Clinics, doctors and pharmacies needed a refrigerator to store their vaccines and medication that was:

Affordable
Low-energy and environmentally friendly
Aesthetic
Medically compliant (consistently maintaining temperature between 2 and 8 C)
Needing minimal manual labour
Quiet (no noisy compressors).”

But beyond these broad, big-picture needs, we also know it’s important to understand some of the details, technology and design decisions that make a medical-grade fridge the special equipment it is.

This infographic digs into more detail about what differentiates a PharmaScout fridge from a more commonly used domestic fridge – and in essence, why a medical-grade fridge is, in every way, better for a clinic, hospital, pharmacy, and veterinary clinic than one used to store drinks.

THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A MEDICAL-GRADE FRIDGE VS RETAIL FRIDGE

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

PHARMASCOUT	RETAIL
Maintains a specific temperature range consistently Between 2°C to 8°C Uses a microprocessor-controlled cooling system – internal temperature responds to ambient temperature	Have a wide temperature range. Retail fridges usually have a simpler thermostat-based temperature control system.

ALARM SYSTEM

PHARMASCOUT	RETAIL
Alarm to alert users if the temperature falls outside of the range	No alarm system

STORAGE CAPACITY

PHARMASCOUT	RETAIL
Designed to store medications and vaccines securely Has a specific layout to accommodate the different sizes and shapes of the products. Specially designed, adjustable shelving systems Shelving is made from high-quality materials that are easy to clean and disinfect.	Designed for storing food and beverages Lacking organisation and details needed to keep medication secure

COOLING TECHNOLOGY

PHARMASCOUT	RETAIL
Medical-grade fridges use advanced cooling technologies, such as forced-air cooling or a combination of convection and radiation, to ensure even temperature distribution.	Retail fridges use basic cooling technology that doesn’t focus on consistent and even temperature distribution.

INSULATION

PHARMASCOUT	RETAIL
Use high-quality insulation materials to minimise temperature fluctuations and prevent heat loss. The insulation is often thicker than that used in retail fridges to provide better thermal stability.	Uses standard fridge insulation that is less consistent.

Overall, it’s clear that medical-grade fridges are developed with niche needs in mind and use higher-quality compressors and other components that focus on operating continuously and – crucially – maintaining a precise temperature range.

Because of the level of regulation, these components are often expensive and are subject to rigorous quality control standards to ensure they meet the strict World Heath Organisation requirements for medical equipment.

Retail fridges, on the other hand, often use less expensive components and are designed for a very different need. They’re created for intermittent and far less-controlled use, which is why the manufacturers focus on cost-effectiveness and durability, rather than precision and consistency of temperature control.

The technology behind PharmaScout: what makes our solution different

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