Proper storage and handling of veterinary products are crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and ensuring the health and safety of animals.
With the global veterinary items market valued at over $35 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2030, ensuring the integrity of these products is more important than ever.
This blog will provide essential guidelines on how to store and handle veterinary products properly, ensuring they remain effective and safe for use.
Importance of Proper Storage and Handling
Veterinary products are susceptible to changes in environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and light and are sensitive to things like vaccines, medicines, and nutritional supplements.
Improper storage can lead to:
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Loss of Potency
Many animal health products, especially vaccines and drugs, need enclosed temperature intervals for their efficacy to remain useful.
Take vaccines, for instance; in most cases, they should be put in the fridge at a temperature between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, this will lead to decreased efficiency.
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Contamination
Into veterinary products, improper handling can introduce contaminants resulting in infections or other adverse reactions in animals.
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Product Degradation
Veterinary items can degrade when exposed to air, light, or moisture, which can make them dangerous.
Guidelines for Proper Storage
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Temperature Control
Veterinary products should be stored here in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Some require storage under cool temperatures, yet others are registered at a room temperature setting.
Therefore, you need to check the storage conditions frequently using a thermometer.
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Humidity Management
Keep the veterinary-related products away from any form of moisture.
In cases of moisture accumulation, one needs to employ the help of desiccants or small packets containing substances that absorb moisture. .
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Light Exposure
Light-sensitive products can be stored in their original packaging or any opaque packaging to avoid light effects.
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Organization
Store products in an ordered system that allows easy access.
Shelf and bin labels should be clear, and first in first-out inventory management to be employed.
Best Practices for Handling Veterinary Products
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Hygiene
Always wash your hands before touching animal health products. If needed, wear gloves to prevent germs from getting to your hands.
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Equipment Use
When giving animals their medications, use sterile and clean equipment.
Avoid using needles or syringes more than once.
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Documentation
Maintain a comprehensive record of the goods to ensure coherent consumption tracking and pinpointing of batch-specific challenges. This will prevent wastage.
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Training
Ensure proper training for all employees in the storage and handling procedures for veterinary goods.
Training should be updated regularly to keep up with new products and best practices.
Importance of Proper Training
All personnel involved in the storage and handling of veterinary goods will acknowledge the importance of sustaining product integrity through proper training.
Regular training sessions should cover:
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Product-Specific Requirements
Every veterinary product may have special demands regarding storage and handling. Thus, it is essential to provide some training on this so that they are not mishandled.
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Emergency Procedures
To prevent product loss, staff must be aware of what to do if equipment fails.
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Updated Guidelines
Veterinary products and handling guidelines may change, and staff should be constantly updated to know the most recent best practices.
Common Mistakes in Storing Veterinary Products
In order to boost the quality and safety of veterinary goods significantly, you should avoid common mistakes:
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Improper Temperature Control
Degradation of products may result from failing to monitor and maintain the required temperature range.
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Neglecting Expiry Dates
It might not be effective or even harmful to use expired products. Always make sure you consume older products first.
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Inadequate Labeling
Improper labeling can result in confusion and improper use; hence, all goods must be clearly marked with storage and expiry specifications.
Conclusion
It is very important to store and handle veterinary products properly to maintain their effectiveness and ensure animal health safety.
Veterinary professionals can safeguard the honesty of these commodities as well as offer appropriate treatment for the animals in their care by adhering to the above directives.
DVM Central is a reliable marketplace veterinary for all types of animal care products. It directly connects suppliers and buyers to streamline the buying and selling process of veterinary supplies.
At this marketplace, veterinarians can register for virtual events to stay updated on the latest advancements in the veterinary field.
FAQs
1. What are the temperature requirements for storing veterinary vaccines?
Many veterinary vaccines require storage at 2-8°C on a refrigerator. This is very important since the user is required to keep checking on the temperature in order to maintain the effectiveness of the vaccines.
2. How can I prevent contamination of animal health products?
To avoid cross-contamination, ensure good hygiene in the area, proper use and sterilization of used tools and equipment, and proper handling by trained personnel.
3. Why is it important to keep detailed records of veterinary product inventory?
Precise records help trace how products are used, check for expiry dates, and spot problems related to batches; this, in turn, ensures the usage of only effective and safe products.
4. How does light exposure affect veterinary items?
If certain veterinary products make contact with light, then disintegrate chemically, which reduces effectiveness or could be dangerous. To avoid light throughout the store, light-sensitive products should stay in packages they were bought with or in similar containers, preventing its effects.
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