Professionals in the medical field understand that medical device storage and warehousing are significantly more complex than standard warehousing. Not only does medical device storage require baseline logistics storage, it also demands higher levels of security, safety, accuracy, and 24/7 monitoring.
When choosing a medical device storage provider, they must be equipped to offer around-the-clock service, 24/7 tracking systems, and advanced storage facilities. Therefore, it is essential your business invests in the right medical storage provider to achieve the necessary flexibility, timeliness, and security that healthcare logistics require.
What Is Medical Device Storage?
Medical device storage is safely storing medical devices in a controlled environment to ensure their efficacy and longevity.
Whether the device needs specific lighting or ventilation, a medical device storage provider must be able to accommodate the device’s requirements. For example, the FDA has set several regulations for medical device storage, such as:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Ventilation
- Lighting
- Cleanliness
- Security
- Accessibility
For instance, some medical devices may require refrigeration or controlled temperatures, while others may need to be kept in a dry, dark, and sterile environment.
Factors Affecting Medical Device Storage
Medical device storage is much more complicated than simply storing the equipment on a shelf. It involves highly detailed organization and controlled environments. Medical storage providers need to adapt to these complexities and be prepared to meet your healthcare business’s unique needs.
As mentioned above, the FDA has many regulations for medical device storage to ensure each device is ready to go. Below is a list of how medical device storage ensures it is up-to-date on FDA regulations.
Temperature, Humidity, and Ventilation
Many medical devices require specific storage conditions involving temperature and humidity control and proper ventilation to maintain efficacy and safety.
Environment-sensitive medical devices include:
- Dialyzers
- Heart valves
- Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices
These products have specific storage environment requirements, and exposure to elements outside these ranges can lead to reduced effectiveness or complete malfunction.
Lighting and Cleanliness
In addition to temperature control, lighting and cleanliness also play vital roles when storing medical devices. If mismanaged, improper lighting and cleanliness can impact the efficacy and reliability of medical devices.
It is vital to look for a medical device storage provider who ensures they offer extensive monitoring and thorough record-keeping to help keep these two components up to code.
Lighting can impact the quality of specific medical devices, particularly those sensitive to UV radiation. For example, UV radiation can degrade the quality of certain plastics and cause discoloration or cracking in certain materials. To prevent this, it is essential to store specific devices in areas with limited exposure to UV radiation.
Additionally, cleanliness is crucial to prevent the contamination of medical devices. Medical devices that are not adequately cleaned or sterilized before storage can lead to the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms that can compromise the devices.
Security
Security is also an important consideration regarding medical device storage. Medical devices are often expensive and contain sensitive information, making them a target for theft and unauthorized access. It is vital that medical device storage facilities are able to monitor and secure any of your business’s storage items.
Accessibility
Regarding accessibility, it is important you are able to access any items at the flip of a switch. In the healthcare industry, things can change quickly and you may need medical equipment within the hour. It is critical that your medical device storage provider can provide your business easy access and quick transportation time.
Rely on Stat Experts for Your Medical Device Storage Needs
Our Stat Experts medical device storage team is ready to take your warehousing needs to the next level. Our partner-oriented service lets you focus on every aspect of your business without worrying about managing and processing your medical devices.
With decades of experience under our belts, the team at Stat Experts are experts at the complex details surrounding medical device storage, including how to manage the temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, security, and accessibility factors.
As a 24/7/365 logistics company, we are always ready to help you thrive. Reach out to us today to get a quote and see how we can improve your medical storage needs.
