Be a Wise Owl - Safeguarding Veterinary Medical Products

We're entrusted with the health and well-being of these cherished companions, and administering vaccines and medications is a critical part of that responsibility. Proper storage of veterinary medical products (VMPs) is essential to ensure their efficacy and the safety of the animals under our care.

The Importance of Proper VMP Storage

Veterinary Medical Regulations stipulate that temperature-sensitive VMPs, like vaccines and insulin, must be refrigerated at a stable temperature between +2°C and +8°C. Deviations from this range can alter their molecular structure and accelerate degradation, potentially leading to adverse effects. It's also crucial to monitor and record fridge temperatures daily to ensure compliance.

In the hustle and bustle of a veterinary practice, it's easy for these essential procedures to be overlooked. However, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have emphasized that inadequate VMP storage is a common issue during practice inspections. They've even issued a joint reminder about the legal and professional obligations under the Veterinary Medical Regulations (VMR).

Your Responsibilities Under the VMR

To comply with the VMR, your practice must:

• Monitor fridge temperatures daily, ideally by the same designated person.
• Log results daily.
• If using an electronic data logger, ensure it's alarmed, check the alarm daily, and download data weekly.
• Have a written standard operating procedure detailing actions to take if temperatures fluctuate outside the recommended range.
• Store controlled drugs securely to prevent unauthorised access.

Simplifying Compliance with Medical Refrigerators

Medical refrigerators, like those in our Pharmacy Plus range, offer a consistent and optimal temperature range for storing sensitive and often expensive VMPs. They also streamline the monitoring and recording process:

• Bluetooth-enabled local temperature monitoring and recording make the task quick, easy, and accurate, minimising human error.
• Data can be downloaded directly to a phone or tablet and shared with authorized personnel via the Lec Medical app.
• A power failure alarm and battery backup ensure stable fridge temperatures even during outages, protecting your VMPs and reducing stress.
• Manual or digital locks restrict access to authorised personnel only, ensuring secure storage of controlled drugs.

Our Pharmacy Plus range offers a variety of models and capacities, from 47 litres to 400 litres, so you can find the ideal fridge for your practice.

By investing in a medical refrigerator, you're not only safeguarding the efficacy of your VMPs but also demonstrating your commitment to providing the highest standard of care to your patients. 

Explore the Pharmacy Plus range today and take a proactive step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals you treat.