Organ 'fridge' with remote-controlled temperature invented in Catalunya

A 'SMART fridge' for transporting human organs and blood samples which controls its own temperature remotely via wi-fi connection has been launched by the Catalunya-based technology firm Perspectiva.

As well as keeping the storage unit at the right temperature from a distance using bluetooth, internet and radio-frequency, the technology involved allows it to be traced, meaning the contents are safe even if they are mislaid.

It can also be used to transport other samples of bodily fluids for testing, including biopsy cells, plus medications and vaccinations.

Perspectiva, which launched in 2005 and has around 20 staff members in Madrid, Alella (Barcelona province) and in São Paulo (Brazil), initially showcased its invention at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress (MWC) fair, along with another 101 companies from Catalunya alone and dozens more from across Spain at what is the planet's largest annual mobile technology trade fair.

As yet, the 'smart fridge' is not in common use, but is expected to be rolled out to health authorities in the near future.