Bringing More Control To Temperature-Sensitive Logistics

By 2016, world sales of cold-chain drugs and biologics such as vaccines and blood plasma products will near $240 billion. The increase has led to a surge in discussion about how to protect these products throughout the transportation logistics cycle.

Industry experts are recommending that the term “cold chain” be eliminated from rules, guidance and best-practice documents. “Cold chain” now includes a broader spectrum of temperature ranges, such as controlled room temperature (CRT).

CRT doesn’t mean ambient. Not long ago, CRT, ambient and room temperature products were synonymous and considered by many to not require thermal protection. CRT products, however, do require temperature control protection as they move through the supply chain. There is, however, currently no industry-defined temperature standard for CRT transportation. And there are few guidelines for packaging and protecting CRT products. Some product labels for example recommend 15-30ºC, while others state 20-25ºC. The transportation of temperature-sensitive medical products via general cargo may no longer meet future regulatory environments.