At Minus40, we take pride in delivering specialised refrigeration solutions that meet the evolving needs of the medical and laboratory sectors. When approached by Western Cape Health regarding a freezer for placenta storage, we recognised an opportunity for innovation. Although we did not have an existing product at the time, we promptly designed and developed a solution that met the stringent technical specifications and regulatory requirements critical for hospitals.
Placentas are stored for various medical, research, and legal purposes, making precise temperature control critical. They may be examined to diagnose maternal or neonatal health conditions, investigate complications such as stillbirth or preterm birth, and contribute to medical research in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. Additionally, placentas are used in tissue donation, including amniotic membrane transplants for wound healing and eye surgery. Legal and cultural considerations also necessitate storage in certain cases, reinforcing the need for reliable refrigeration.
Recognising the need for a highly specialised solution, we developed a freezer that meets strict hygiene and usability standards. This led to the widespread use of stainless steel and detachable drawers to facilitate cleaning and ensure compliance with hospital-grade sanitation requirements. From a technical perspective, the unit was engineered with a high-performance cooling system that rapidly lowers temperatures when large quantities of room-temperature product are introduced. To enhance energy efficiency, we optimised insulation, including increased thickness in the self-closing doors. As with all Minus40 refrigerators used in South Africa, the freezer is equipped with built-in voltage protection, automated defrosting cycles, and a controller that records temperature performance over the previous six months, enabling proactive maintenance assessments.
The result of this development is the LAB1000SMF Laboratory Freezer—a specialist solution designed to preserve sensitive biological materials under optimal conditions, supporting hospitals in their critical work. Two units have already been delivered to hospitals in the Cape Town area.
At Minus40, we thrive on meeting unique challenges with tailored refrigeration solutions. If you have a specialised requirement, we’re ready to collaborate—contact us today.
