This document discusses the reverse cold chain process for maintaining the cold temperature of samples collected from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases that are transported from clinics to laboratories for poliovirus testing. Key aspects of the reverse cold chain include standards for sample collection, storage and transport at 0-8属C, as well as reporting criteria to document the absence of poliovirus circulation. Innovations include using temperature log tags to track specimens and providing incentives for reporting AFP cases.
2. CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
NEED OF REVERSE COLD CHAIN
SURVEILLANCE STANDARDS
CLASSIFICATION SCHEME
STANDARDS FOR SAMPLE COLLECTION
STORATGE AND TRANSPORT CONDITIONS
REPORTING CRITERIA
INNOVATIONS
3. Reverse Cold Chain
The process of maintaining the cold chain when heat sensitive items are stored
and transported in the reverse direction i.e. upward from the clinic to a depot
or laboratory.
4. Reverse Cold Chain-WHO
If a cold chain is what you call the transport chain that goes from a laboratory
to the field where vaccines must be kept at a certain temperature from the
moment they are produced, until they are administered in order for them to
work a reverse cold chain is the process of stool samples that need to be
tested getting back to the laboratory from the field at certain temperatures so
that the virus that might be in the sample will still be identifiable.
5. Why reverse cold chain?
Poliomyelitis is targeted for eradication. Highly sensitive surveillance for
acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), including immediate case investigation, and
specimen collection are critical for documenting the absence of poliovirus
circulation for polio-free certification
When any case of acute flaccid paralysis is found anywhere in the world,
stool samples from the affected child must be transported carefully to the
laboratory so that they can be tested to identify whether the poliovirus was
the cause.
6. Surveillance Standards of Poliomyelitis
As per WHO
Clinical case definition
Any child under 15 years of age with AFP* or any person of any age with
paralytic illness if polio is suspected
Case classification
Suspected case: A case that meets the clinical case definition
Confirmed case
8. Standards for Sample collection
Collect two samples 24-48 hours apart and within 14 days of the onset of
paralysis
Volume of specimen must be adequate(approximately 8-10g)
Appropriate documentation (i.e. laboratory request form)
Sample must be in good condition, i.e. with no leakage or desiccation
Evidence that the reverse cold chain has been maintained (presence of ice
or temperature indicator)
9. Specimen-Based Data
Unique identifier
Specimen number: 1 = first specimen; 2 = second specimen; 3 = other; 9 =
unknown
Date of onset of paralysis
Date of last OPV dose
Date of collection of stool specimen
Date stool specimen sent to laboratory
Date stool specimen received in laboratory
Condition of stool: 1 = good; 2 = poor; 9 = unknown
Date final culture results sent from laboratory to EPI(Expanded Program on
Immunization)
10. Rules for Specimen Storage and
Transport
Poliovirus is sensitive to heat, therefore
After collection, the specimens must be placed immediately in a refrigerator or, for
shipment, in a cold box at 08属C between frozen ice packs.
Aim for the specimens to arrive at the laboratory within 72 hours of collection.
If this is not possible, the specimens must be frozen (at -20属C) and then shipped
frozen, preferably with dry ice or with cold packs that have also been frozen at -
20属C.
Try to limit repeated freezing and thawing to a minimum. This process of keeping
the specimen refrigerated or frozen is called a reverse cold chain.
11. Remember
Avoid storing samples in refrigerators or cold boxes used for vaccines or
medicines.
If separate storage is unavoidable, seal specimens in 2-3 layers of plastic
bags and separate them properly from vaccines.
12. Diagrammatic Representation
(a) 30-60 ml faeces container with
external screw cap.
(b) Sealed polyethylene bag to hold
faeces containers.
(c) Sealed polyethylene bag to hold
report form.
(d) Absorbent material (cotton wool
absorbs 8-10 times its own weight).
(e) Icepacks obtainable from national
EPI.
(f) High-density (30-35 kgs/m3)
polystyrene (small bubbles and firm
when squeezed).
(g) Infectious substance label.
(h) Outer carton of double-ply
corrugated cardboard or plastic.
13. Reporting Criteria
Aggregated data on AFP cases should be included in routine monthly
surveillance reports
Designated reporting sites at all levels should report at a specified
frequency (e.g. weekly or monthly) even if there are zero cases (often
referred to as "zero reporting")
All outbreaks should be investigated immediately
All AFP cases under 15 years of age or with paralytic illness at an age
where polio is suspected should be reported immediately and investigated
within 48 hours
Active surveillance: Regular weekly visits should be made to selected
reporting sites that are most likely to admit acute flaccid paralysis patients
(e.g. major hospitals, physiotherapy centers) to look for unreported AFP
cases
14. Innovations in the reverse cold
chain
Introduction of continual temperature recording probes known as Log
Tags to track specimens during their journey to the lab.
Incentives are paid for informants who report a case.