The World Health Organization estimates that nearly half of all vaccines are lost each year due to poor storage. Does this surprise you? Despite pharma being a $1.42 trillion industry, hospitals still lack the necessary temperature monitoring systems.
The COVID pandemic accentuated vaccine storage problems, highlighting the inefficiencies still in place. The good news is that there have been great strides in technology surrounding temperature monitoring systems.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hospital refrigerator temperature monitoring systems, including the importance, types of systems available, and benefits.
Why is Refrigerator Temperature Monitoring Important?
A necessary component of medicine storage is temperature control. Insulin, antibiotics, vaccines, sterilants, and disinfectants need to be refrigerated at specific temperatures. Not to mention that organ storage requires refrigeration for proper preservation.
Unlike other items, like fruits and vegetables, that go in the fridge, there is no universal temperature that medical products should be kept at. The biology of each product dictates the acceptable temperature range, with some medicine requiring -58 degrees Fahrenheit storage.
Deviating outside the normal temperature range can cause the medicine to go bad, putting patients’ lives in danger. This makes it essential that hospitals stay on top of temperature monitoring, reducing the number of product disposals and adding efficiency throughout the entire process.
What Types of Hospital Temperature Monitoring Systems are Available?
There are many different hospital temperature monitoring systems available for your organization to take advantage of. The type of medicine stored often dictates the best method. For example, if you have a product that has a very sensitive environment, you will want to choose a monitoring system that doesn’t disrupt the environment. Here are a few options for you to consider.
Manual Monitoring
Many organizations still track the temperature of products manually with thermometers. This requires your team to keep a detailed chart and consistently check the temperature. Not only is this method time-consuming, but it opens the door to an increased risk of error.
Electronic Freeze Indicators
Electronic freeze indicators are devices that are commonly used in conjunction with thermometers. These devices indicate if the refrigeration has been exposed to temperatures at or below freezing and are only single-use items.
Temperature Recorders
Temperature recorders record the temperature at intervals, such as every 15 minutes. These devices can record temperatures for several days, or even weeks. Some temperature recorders are equipped with alarms when the temperature drops below an acceptable range. However, these devices have limitations and aren’t for universal use, as some recorders don’t work in freezers.
Chart Recorders
Chart recorders rely on a pen that is dragged across a paper chart to indicate such things as temperature or humidity. The pen moves in response to the environment, but has limited resolution, and must be manually replaced weekly, or even daily for some models. Paper records are collected and must be preserved in the event of an audit.
Digital Data Logger
Digital data loggers measure the refrigerator’s ambient temperature through probes. This helps hospitals gauge the condition of the product. One of the main drawbacks of digital data loggers is that they require physical attachment to individual vials and containers, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
Cloud-Based Integrated Monitoring System
A cloud-based integrated monitoring system place probes and thermometers throughout the facility, tracking temperature through computer software. Cloud-based integrated monitoring systems have capabilities outside of standard temperature reporting, generating reports, and sending alerts.
What are the Advantages of an Integrated Monitoring System?
Integrated monitoring systems have numerous advantages that your hospital can leverage, including:
Continuous Monitoring
Temperatures can change anytime and for any reason, from power outages to equipment malfunctions. Continuous monitoring lets your team quickly react to temperature changes, safeguarding your products and avoiding total disposal.
Simple Integration
Integrated monitoring systems often don’t require a complete overhaul of your existing system. In fact, many systems utilize software instead of hardware. This makes it easy to implement and maintain.
Customization Capabilities
One of the main advantages of integrated monitoring systems is the customization capabilities. Your organization can customize the software and behaviors of monitoring based on your needs. For example, you can program your system for continuous monitoring after an alarm is triggered. Integrated monitoring systems also have the ability to grow alongside your organization.
Added Security
Integrated monitoring systems are secure and less susceptible to attacks and fraudulent information. This gives you an added layer of security when it comes to preserving the integrity of your data during hacks and attacks.
Next Steps
Effective hospital refrigerator temperature monitoring requires the right solutions. At Qualified Controls, we offer wireless real-time environmental monitoring sensors and software that can assist your organization in protecting your products.
