PLATELET SHIPPING INCUBATOR
Many may be familiar with what a blood transfusion is but may not be as familiar with what blood platelets are used for. Platelets can also be transfused and are frequently used for patients who have excessive bleeding and for some forms of cancer. Johns Hopkins Medicine describes what the purpose of platelets are, “Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels,” says Dr. Marlene Williams, Assistant Professor of Medicine and CICU Director for Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. “When you get a cut, for example, the platelets bind to the site of the damaged vessel, thereby causing a blood clot. There’s an evolutionary reason why they’re there. It’s to stop us from bleeding.” When someone donates blood it is then spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and then the platelets can be used for treatment. Often, shipping platelets is needed because the platelets may need to travel from donation site to a laboratory or a medical facility in another location for a patient in need. Platelets are typically stored at room temperature but are temperature sensitive and need to be closely monitored during shipment to remain viable. It is incredibly important to ensure that the desired temperature (20-24C) is maintained at all times.
Benefits of Micro Q Technologies
- Active precision heating or cooling
- Temperature LCD display resolution = 0.1° C
- Temperature control range 0° C to 42° C
- Rechargeable battery with integrated power supply
- Ambient Temperature range -20° C to 50° C
- Temperature holding duration 24+ hours to 168+ hours
- Microprocessor controlled heat pump
- Tamper resistant key switch
- Temperature control resolution = 0.0625° C
Additional Platelet Shipping Incubator Benefits
A platelet shipping incubator should be used to transport platelets. A platelet shipping incubator, such as the MicroQ iQ shipping device, is controlled by a microprocessor and capable of active heating and cooling. It will adapt to ensure the necessary temperature is maintained regardless of fluctuations in ambient conditions. During transport, platelets may encounter significant swings in temperature and humidity but, with a platelet shipping incubator, they will remain protected. The iQ platelet shipping incubator is also incredibly durable and lightweight which helps keep shipping costs down. The MicroQ iQ shipper can withstand any rough handling during transport while protecting its contents. Additionally, the device is completely reusable. The device simply needs to be recharged and reprogrammed and can then be sent along again, which eliminates the need for disposable shipping containers. Platelets are incredibly important and, in many circumstances, a life-saving treatment. But, if not handled correctly or damaged during transport, they can become incredibly dangerous for patients. The MicroQ iQ platelet shipping incubator will protect platelets during transport and ensure that they arrive in optimal condition for treatment of patients.
