Pharmaceutical temperature-controlled transport is a highly technical practice. Safe and timely transportation of any medical supplies is often crucial to the health of those who depend on them. That’s why the process of temperature-controlled transport for pharmaceuticals is absolutely vital, as are the many sensitivities and specifications that come with each shipment.
Pharmaceutical temperature-controlled transport can get very complicated. Fortunately, Stat Experts has the experience and expertise to answer virtually any question you might have about our specialized transport options. We’ll be happy to walk you through the details.
For now, let’s take a closer look at what’s involved in pharmaceutical temperature-controlled transport, and how Stat Experts can provide assistance for your medical supply logistics.
What Is Pharmaceutical Temperature-Controlled Transport?
What makes shipping certain pharmaceuticals complicated is the variety of their storage requirements. This commonly has to do with the temperature range at which various items may be safely stored.
Temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals are especially sensitive to temperature changes during transportation and storage. Exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range may compromise a product’s effectiveness or even destroy the product altogether.
The not-so-simple fact about temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals is that their respective temperature needs vary widely in range and accuracy. Some items must be stored far colder or far warmer than others; some have a tiny window of acceptable temperature range.
Other pharmaceuticals require cold chain transportation, which involves maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution to the point of use. This often utilizes temperature-controlled packaging, refrigerated vehicles, and regular temperature checks at various points along the supply chain to ensure that they are protected from temperatures outside of the acceptable range.
Common Pharmaceuticals in Temperature-Controlled Transport
Many kinds of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals require controlled transportation to ensure their prolonged integrity and effectiveness. Here are a few of the items we see most often:
Vaccines
Many vaccines are sensitive to temperature changes, and the acceptable ranges vary between the different kinds. For example, some vaccines must be kept consistently refrigerated, while others, like flu vaccines, may be stored at higher temperatures.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone used to treat diabetes. While there are various types of insulin with different temperature requirements, most need to be stored in refrigerated conditions throughout transit to stay potent.
Biologics
Biologics are complex medical products made from living cells or tissues. This quality makes them highly sensitive to temperature, often requiring storage in refrigerated or even frozen conditions to maintain stability.
Proteins and Enzymes
Proteins and enzymes are organic substances with a variety of functions and medical uses. While some may be safely stored at room temperature, many are sensitive and run the risk of becoming inactive if exposed to temperatures outside of the recommended range.
Identifying the Temperature-Controlled Needs of Pharmaceuticals
It’s important to note that not all pharmaceuticals require temperature-controlled transportation. There are certain cases where temperature requirements vary even among pharmaceutical items of the same kind, like insulin.
To determine whether a specific product in your arsenal requires pharmaceutical temperature-controlled transport, you should always refer to the product’s labeling. In the United States, the FDA requires that all prescription and over-the-counter drugs be labeled with certain information. This will include any relevant information about an item’s necessary storage and transportation conditions.
If you’re still unsure whether a specific pharmaceutical requires temperature-controlled transport, you can always contact the product’s manufacturer (or a qualified logistics provider such as Stat Experts) for more information. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about the appropriate transportation conditions for the product in question.
More About Pharmaceutical Temperature-Controlled Transport
Are you in need of highly-specialized transport for your pharmaceutical products? Let Stat Experts help. Our team is one of the healthcare industry’s premier couriers for every medical supply and equipment transportation need.
With more than 75 years of combined experience, we know that every detail matters regarding pharmaceutical temperature-controlled transport. That’s why so many hospitals trust us to handle every aspect of their medical logistics.
Want to enlist a pharmaceutical courier you can have total confidence in? Contact Stat Experts for a quote today.
