A cold chain handler places ice packs in a vaccine carrier for an immunization session. Which type of ice pack should be used for transporting freeze-sensitive vaccines like DPT and TT?

• A Frozen ice packs at -20°C
• B Cold water bottles at 0°C
• C Any ice packs available
• D Conditioned ice packs at +2°C to +8°C ✓

Explanation

Conditioned ice packs (ice packs left at room temperature until water appears on the surface, at +2°C to +8°C) are used in vaccine carriers to prevent freeze damage to freeze-sensitive vaccines like DPT, TT, and Hep D. Frozen ice packs at -20°C would damage these vaccines by freezing.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.