Arktek Passive Vaccine Storage Device

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$2,400.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Public Sector Agencies, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Global Good (collaboration between Intellectual Ventures and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), AUCMA is moving Arktek into distribution in the communities with the lowest rates of vaccination.

Countries

Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Haiti, Liberia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone

Manufacturing/Building Method

Manufacturing is in progress with AUCMA, a Chinese refrigeration company

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Distributed to healthcare workers directly through large-scale projects with agencies such as WHO. The product may also be purchased from Via Global Health.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2017, over 500 devices have been distributed.

Design Specifications

Using a single load of ice blocks for thermal energy storage, the Arktek PSD maintains EPI standard temperatures for up to 5 liters of vaccines for a minimum 35 days in 43°C day time ambient temperatures. Contains 8.6 liters of water ice. Arktek’s tested thermal heat leak is an average of 1 Watt per day with a day/night cycle of 43°/25°C.

The two ice blocks are first stacked against the inner walls and then the vaccine carrier cups are placed in the middle. The device is equipped with temperature sensors that will alert the user if the temperatures inside reach an unsafe range.

The product dimensions are 52.8 x 74.7 cm. The product weight when empty is 22 kg and when full is 39.5 kg. More information can be found in the product manual.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical support is provided by the manufacturer or its designated service agents. A maintenance manual is also provided.

Replacement Components

The manufacturer, AUCMA, will provide parts in case of any repair needs. ^{Interview with designer, July 2015}

Lifecycle

The economic analysis of this device considers initial cost, as well as cost over 10 years, the estimated lifetime of the device.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Stores up to 300 doses

Requires no electricity, holds vaccines at safe temperature for for 30 to 60 days, depending on outside temperatures and humidity with repeat vaccine retrievals, transportable, low-maintenance.

Vetted Performance Status

Field testing was performed in Senegal and in Ethiopia in 2014. The testing in Senegal showed that the device meets the WHO temperature standards for vaccine storage with no need for an external power source, internal temperatures were successfully maintained for 35 days in all use cases, the device fit well within the current vaccine logistic systems, and received positive user feedback. The testing in Ethiopia showed that again the device was able to maintain a safe internal temperature range for 35 days in different use cases and it received positive user feedback.

Safety

The device is designed to only store vaccines, some parts may be flammable (nylon ropes), keep device away from acid, alkali, and other corrosive substances, only authorized personnel may perform maintenance on the device. For further safety considerations, refer to the user manual.

Complementary Technical Systems

A single-use battery to supply power to the sensors must be installed.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

WHO Pre-Qualified under Devices and Equipment category for PQS (Performance, Quality, and Safety). The device is also certified under ISO 9001. Field trials were conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in Senegal, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.

Evaluation methods

World Health Organization’s (WHO) parameters for safe vaccine delivery

Other Information

Received a Patents for Humanity Award in 2016.