A cold chain officer at a district vaccine store needs to transport OPV in a vaccine carrier to a session site. As per UIP guidelines, what is the maximum time a standard vaccine carrier with frozen ice packs can maintain the recommended temperature range before ice packs must be replaced?
- A 12 hours
- B 24 hours
- C 48 hours ✓
- D 72 hours
Correct answer: C. 48 hours
Explanation
Under UIP cold chain guidelines, a standard vaccine carrier with frozen ice packs maintains the recommended 2 to 8 degree Celsius range for up to 48 hours if kept shut and away from direct sunlight. After 48 hours the ice packs must be replaced. The 24-hour distractor appears in some older manuals but the current UIP cold chain manual specifies 48 hours.
Reference: Immunization Handbook for Health Workers, Government of India, latest ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.