Transportation of Temperature-sensitive Medications in an Air Medical Setting

This article describes an effective system for the transportation of temperature-sensitive medications within acceptable temperature ranges in the air medical setting.

A temperature audit using data logging thermometers of drug bags used to transport temperature-sensitive medications revealed that temperature excursions above the accepted maximums (8°C) occurred frequently. An experimental methodology was developed using a commercially available shipping container that was subject to a rapid conditioning regimen. Through a series of experimental trials, it was determined that with the devised conditioning regimen the system would maintain a consistent 2°C to 8°C. This system was implemented, and data were collected over a series of air medical missions (5) over a 90-day period.

The average mission duration was 10 hours with temperature-sensitive medications spending an average of 15.3 hours out of the pharmacy fridge. Temperature data showed temperature-sensitive medications remained within the 2°C to 8°C range for the duration of all missions in which the shipping container was prepared appropriately.

This proof of concept study showed a system that can maintain acceptable storage conditions for temperature-sensitive medications.