Question

What is the advantage of ice lined refrigerator over domestic one in a hospital?

• A. Cost effective
• B. Larger size
• C. Consumes less power
• D. Maintains uniform temperature

Hint:

Ice lined refrigerators are preferred for vaccines because they maintain a uniform and stable temperature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Domestic refrigerators are designed for food, where slight temperature fluctuations are acceptable. Vaccines and biologicals require a very strict "cold chain" (usually between 2 \(^\circ\)C and 8 \(^\circ\)C).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Ice Lining: An Ice Lined Refrigerator (ILR) has tubes or packets of water/ice lining the internal walls.
2. Temperature Stability: During a power failure, the ice lining absorbs heat, maintaining the internal temperature within the safe range for many hours (up to 20+ hours).
3. Uniformity: Domestic fridges have "hot spots" and "cold spots" (e.g., near the freezer or at the bottom). ILRs are engineered to maintain a highly uniform temperature throughout the entire storage cabinet, ensuring no vaccine is accidentally frozen or overheated.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The specialized engineering of ILRs ensures that sensitive medicines are kept at a constant, uniform temperature, even during power outages.