When we run lab tests, store temperature-sensitive samples, or prepare materials for use, keeping things at the correct temperature is part of keeping them safe and useful. In Durham, NC, that’s not always simple, especially in winter. Cold snaps, heating issues, or even someone holding a door open too long can cause a quick shift in room temperature.
When storage temperatures go outside the safe range, it’s called a temperature excursion. If we don’t catch those changes quickly, the results can affect sample quality and mess with test outcomes. Being ready for temperature excursions in Durham means knowing what causes them, how to handle them, and how to make sure they don’t happen again.
What Is a Temperature Excursion and Why It Matters
A temperature excursion happens when something that should stay at a set temperature, like a freezer, fridge, or storage room, goes above or below that range. Sometimes the change only lasts a few minutes, but depending on what’s stored inside, that can still do damage.
• Samples and chemicals can become unsafe or lose accuracy
• Medications that are temperature sensitive may no longer be usable
• Equipment and materials can stop working the way they should
Materials used in labs are often tested, stored, or shipped under specific temperature needs. If we miss a temperature change, we might find out later that a whole batch of stored items is no longer good to use. That puts lab results and patient safety at risk.
Why Labs in Durham Are at Risk During Winter
Winter adds some extra pressure. January is one of the coldest months here in Durham, and heating systems work much harder. If there’s a breakdown, or if the room warms up too slowly, that delay can be enough to cause an issue with room or storage temperatures.
• Heaters have to work overtime, and sometimes that leads to failures
• Power outages from winter weather can stop climate control systems
• Cold air from open doors or windows moves in fast and can spread quickly
Busy labs may not notice right away if something slips out of range. That’s especially true after hours or early in the morning when there aren’t many staff around. Even small temperature changes can bring on bigger problems if they’re not caught in time.
Steps to Take When a Temperature Excursion Is Found
When we do notice that storage temperatures dropped or spiked, quick action makes a big difference. The steps we take right away can limit the damage and keep things from getting worse.
1. Write down the time, date, and place of the problem as soon as possible
2. Check what was stored in the area and how long the item was exposed
3. If anything can’t be fully verified as safe, treat it like it’s been affected
4. Follow-up notes and records help with audits, safety checks, and internal reviews
Everything we do helps show we took the situation seriously. That’s true whether it’s a one-time issue or part of a bigger pattern. Clear records help others on the team know what happened and help prevent the same issue from happening again.
How Monitoring Systems Help Catch Problems Faster
We can’t stand by coolers and freezers all day, but digital monitoring tools can do that job for us. These systems work around the clock, tracking environmental conditions and alerting us to problems.
• Sensors take readings all the time, not just once an hour
• If a temperature goes out of range, we can get alerts right on our phones or emails
• Logs and reports are created automatically and can be pulled for audits or inspections
For labs that follow strict regulations, keeping detailed logs is a big part of staying compliant. Digital systems add a layer of consistency we can count on, especially during cold months when more things can go wrong without much warning. At Qualified Controls, sensors can be used to monitor temperature, humidity, and other parameters for any lab environment, offering quick alerts and ongoing monitoring.
Building a Plan to Prevent Repeat Excursions
Even with good tools and solid systems, problems will still come up now and then. That’s why it helps to have a clear response plan and to make sure every staff member knows what to do without delay.
1. Write up a simple plan for how to respond to a temperature excursion
2. Use systems that have backup power and easy controls so they stay useful in a pinch
3. Run winter checks more often to spot broken seals, stuck thermostats, or bad readings
We’ve found that talking through scenarios before they happen helps reduce confusion during real events. If staff don’t have to guess or debate what to do, they can act quickly and protect valuable work. Qualified Controls provides cloud-based monitoring, so teams can access real-time data and alerts anywhere and always have audit-ready logs on hand.
Having a Strong Response Makes Labs Safer
Temperature excursions in Durham don’t always come with warning. Even when everything seems to be running smoothly, an issue just outside of sight can throw off an entire day’s worth of lab work. That is why it pays to be ready, especially in January when winter weather puts extra strain on heating systems and storage tools.
A strong plan and good tools help everyone in the lab feel more confident and prepared. By spotting temperature shifts earlier and responding fast when they show up, we can protect samples, support better test results, and avoid unnecessary waste. For labs working in Durham, NC, that peace of mind can go a long way during the colder season.
When challenges like heating issues or cold weather concerns impact your lab in Durham, NC, responding quickly to events such as temperature excursions in Durham is essential. With fast alerts, automated logs, and clear dashboards, you can identify the source of problems and take steps to prevent them in the future. At Qualified Controls, we are dedicated to helping local labs maintain safety and readiness throughout the year. Let’s connect to find the right monitoring solution to keep your workspace and samples secure. Reach out to discuss the best setup for your lab today.
