How we test our medication cooling bags

A cooling bag is only reliable if you know what it really does. That's why we test every medication cooling bag ourselves, both for medication that must stay between 2 and 8 °C and for medication that must stay between 16 and 25 °C.

We measure in the liquid, not in the air

Most tests measure the air inside the bag. That air warms up and cools down quickly, for example when you briefly open the bag. Your medication reacts much more slowly. A measurement in the air therefore says little about the temperature of your medication itself.

That's why we measure where it matters: in the liquid. We use a temperature sensor placed inside a syringe, vial or pen filled with liquid. This sensor records the temperature continuously. That way you can see exactly how warm or cold your medication gets during a trip.

How a test works

1. Simulating medication. We fill syringes, vials and prefilled pens with water. We put them in the fridge until they are between 2 and 8 °C.
2. Freezing the cooling elements. The gel packs go into the freezer at -18 °C for at least 14 hours, just like in an ordinary freezer at home.
3. Placing the sensors. We place a temperature sensor in the syringes, vials and pens.
4. Testing in a controlled environment. We put everything in the cooling bag together with the frozen gel packs. The bag goes into a closed test room that stays at a constant 24.2 °C.
5. Measuring and recording. The sensor measures the temperature every minute and stores it. Depending on the cooling bag, a test lasts 12, 24 or 36 hours.

Why 24.2 °C?

This temperature is close to an average room temperature and to the temperature in an aircraft cabin. Many people use their cooling bag precisely during a flight. That way our results match how you really use the bag.

What if it's warmer?

The warmer it is outside the bag, the shorter it keeps cool. A bag that stays between 2 and 8 °C for 24 hours at 24.2 °C will manage this for around 12 to 13 hours at 30 °C, for example. Travelling to a warm destination? Then take this into account when choosing, or email us at info@medicooler.nl. We're happy to help you find the right fit.

Why we do this

Our cooling times are not estimates but measurements. We keep testing, including new products, so you know where you stand.

Travel with Confidence.