Therapy Areas: Devices
UL helps refrigeration manufacturers meet COVID-19 vaccine storage demand following WHO accreditation
16 July 2021 -

Testing company UL laboratory in Italy said on Thursday that it can now support European manufacturers operating in the refrigeration sector in carrying out the tests to safeguard the overall efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines upon accreditation by the World Health Organization.

The company added that its laboratory located in Gavirate (VA) has been accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a specific testing laboratory for refrigeration systems, refrigerators and freezers, used for storing COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, the company will test solar powered refrigeration appliances in accordance with new WHO product standards. Solar-powered refrigeration appliances are considered critical for COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in developing countries that do not have a reliable power grid.

During storage and distribution of vaccines, the labs maintain adequate refrigeration levels to ensure the integrity of the components. When vaccines are not stored at the correct temperatures, they become ineffective, leading to the elimination of doses, said the company.

According to the company, the accreditation is part of the WHO Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) process, which prequalifies for WHO Member States and United Nations purchasing organizations all products and equipment suitable for use in programmes of immunization. Having a product "pre-qualified" by the World Health Organization means that the selected devices and devices have met specific standards in terms of performance and quality, to ensure that the vaccine is stored in the most appropriate conditions.

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