A cold chain technician is arranging vaccines inside the Ice-Lined Refrigerator (ILR) at a PHC. Which of the following represents the correct placement of vaccines within the ILR?
- A Freeze-sensitive vaccines placed on the top shelf; OPV (for freezing) in the bottom; diluents on the middle shelf at room temperature before use ✓
- B Freeze-sensitive vaccines (DPT, TT, HepB) placed in the bottom shelf; OPV and frozen vaccines in the top
- C All vaccines arranged alphabetically; no specific temperature zone consideration
- D All vaccines placed in the freezer compartment to ensure potency
Correct answer: A. Freeze-sensitive vaccines placed on the top shelf; OPV (for freezing) in the bottom; diluents on the middle shelf at room temperature before use
Explanation
In the ILR, freeze-sensitive vaccines (DPT, TT, HepB, Pentavalent, PCV) are stored on the TOP shelf where temperature is least cold (farthest from cooling plates), preventing freezing. OPV (which requires -20°C long-term but can be stored at 2-8°C short-term) and other freeze-tolerant vaccines go lower. The key principle: vaccines damaged by freezing stay away from the coldest zones near the freezer plates. Diluents are stored cold (2-8°C) for at least 24 hours before reconstitution.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.