DGP Intelsius ORCA temperature-controlled packaging for blood products

DGP Intelsius has extended its ORCA range of temperature-controlled packaging with the introduction of the +22°C Plantol Phase Change Material (PCM), which meets the global requirements for the transportation of whole blood products at the temperature range 20–24°C.

The transit time for blood and blood components should not normally exceed 24 h: any variations from the specified temperature ranges during transportation can have detrimental effects on the efficacy of the constituents of blood, which could reduce the clinical benefits.

To ensure an uninterrupted and precise temperature-controlled blood cold chain, red blood cell components must be kept at a temperature of 2–10°C during transportation. All components routinely stored at 20–24°C need to be kept at these temperatures during shipment, and all frozen components need to maintain their frozen state.

Frozen components, such as Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), have been rapidly frozen within 6–8 h of collection and their temperature needs to be maintained at -20°C or lower during transportation.

The temperature-controlled packging provides up to 168 h of thermal protection for 2–8°C, 15–25°C, -20°C and deep frozen temperature-sensitive payloads. In addition to this, with the now greater need for more complex shipping systems, the 20–24°C product provides good performance in hot conditions over 144 h against ISTA 7D.

The systems are designed to manage excursion risks, control costs and prioritise patient safety. The range utilises PCMs and vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) to create high performance while reducing volumetric weight.