Before loading a vaccine carrier with freeze-sensitive vaccines, ice packs taken from the deep freezer must first be 'conditioned'. This means:
- A Wiping them with disinfectant to prevent contamination of vials
- B Wrapping each ice pack in cloth to slow heat transfer
- C Leaving them at room temperature until the ice begins to move and water sloshes inside ✓
- D Partially thawing them in the refrigerator for 24 hours
Correct answer: C. Leaving them at room temperature until the ice begins to move and water sloshes inside
Explanation
Conditioning means keeping frozen ice packs at ambient temperature until they start to sweat and the ice core moves freely when shaken. This raises the surface temperature so that contact with vaccine vials does not push it below zero and freeze-damage adsorbed vaccines such as DPT and hepatitis C. Disinfection and wrapping do nothing about this risk, and refrigeration thawing is not the defined procedure.
Reference: WHO Immunization in Practice: a practical guide for health staff, 2015 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.