What does ‘keep it at room temperature, actually mean?
It is defined as the temperature between 59-77 degree Fahrenheit or 20-25 degree Celsius. In most situations this remains a comfortable temperature. When dealing with medications or medical supplies, one must consider their natural environment. Note your outside temperature averages and humidity levels are both relational to the efficacy or usability of medical products.
Winter season, for many the average environmental temperature remains below the acceptable room temperature for medical supplies and medications. Plastic items become hardened and unusable. Medication becomes less effective or changes is efficacy rate.
The same thing required consideration for the for the inversion of seasons. Humidity also is relational. In humid climate, plastic tubing tends to “stick” or become “sticky.” For myself, I live in Florida where on a typical seasons go as follows – a 2 week “winter” and the remaining time is hot, hotter, or OMG weather.
Things to consider if you live in extremes or if traveling to escape the extremes:
– a cooler
– thermal bags
– cold/hot packs
– rice (uncooked) placed in a sock can be placed in micro or freezer and used as packs
– a generator/inverter (solar or gas)
– mini fridge/cooler that plugs into your car
– maintain extra water: spring/filtered/distilled for machines and dehydration
Hint for those in hot weather: One of my best thermostat is my kitchen coconut oil. I use it for cooking and if it starts to melt it is too hot for supplies. Coconut oil melts at 78 degree Fahrenheit.