What is the minimum temperature a pharmacy refrigerator should maintain?

Maintaining the correct temperature range for a pharmacy refrigerator is crucial for ensuring the stability and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, particularly those that require refrigeration, such as vaccines and certain medications. The recommended temperature range of between 2-8°C allows for optimal preservation of these products, preventing both freezing and excessive warming.

When temperatures are maintained within this specific range, it minimizes the risk of degradation and loss of potency, which could occur if items were stored at either too low or too high temperatures. For example, medications can become ineffective if they freeze, while exposure to temperatures above 8°C can lead to spoilage or reduced efficacy.

In contrast, other temperature ranges such as below 0°C, between 5-15°C, or above 10°C do not provide the necessary conditions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of sensitive medications. Thus, keeping the pharmacy refrigerator consistently within the 2-8°C range is essential for compliance with storage guidelines and for the health and safety of patients.