Regarding handling of vaccine diluents in the cold chain, which practice is correct?

• A Store diluent ampoules in the deep freezer alongside OPV to keep them sterile
• B Freeze diluent ampoules and thaw them rapidly before each session
• C Store diluent at room temperature and chill it only just before reconstitution
• D Store diluent in the ice-lined refrigerator at plus 2 to plus 8 degrees Celsius, including diluent pre-packed with vaccine by the manufacturer ✓

Explanation

All diluents are stored in the ILR at plus 2 to plus 8 degrees Celsius, never in the freezer, since freezing can crack ampoules and chilled diluent reduces thermal shock to live vaccines at reconstitution. When a manufacturer supplies diluent packed together with the vaccine, it stays with that vaccine in the ILR. Room temperature storage and freezing are both contrary to programme guidelines.

Reference: WHO Immunization in Practice: A Practical Guide for Health Staff, 2015 update ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.