TEMPERATURE MONITORING
connected data loggers will generally upload data to an online storage system automatically, giving the user 24/7 access to their data from anywhere in the world. The most flexible systems allow you to view real-time and historic data, see any active alarms and report on actions taken, change device settings, and export data from one or multiple devices. This sort of functionality could potentially prevent medical staff from having to physically visit every storage unit across a facility; live temperature (up to the latest transmission) for every unit can be checked via one easy-to-use platform, saving staff time to undertake other critical tasks.
As previously stated, no data logger can entirely negate the need for manual temperature checks. However, choosing a product with comprehensive reporting functionality will provide you with peace of mind that you will always have a complete set of data as a back-up in the event that manual checks are ever missed. Questions to consider to find a Wi-Fi- connected data logger with sufficient reporting functionality should include: n What data can I view/export? n Is there a straightforward way that I can go back and view specific temperature readings from a specific date/time?
n What happens if the power to the logger fails, or Wi-Fi connection is lost? Will I miss data samples?
What happens if the Wi-Fi connection drops?
With regards to Wi-Fi connection, it’s important to check what happens if Wi-Fi signal is lost. The most robust solutions will notify the user (possibly via email or text message) and continue to log data on the device without a Wi-Fi connection. The data logger should automatically re-establish Wi-Fi connection when it becomes available, and upload all of the data that has been collected during the ‘Wi-Fi downtime’, thus maintaining a full set of data.
If your storage facility doesn’t have a reliable Wi-Fi signal available, you may want to consider offline options. Alternative methods of data download can include USB, Bluetooth, NFC, and more. These are unlikely to be as seamless or cost-effective as a Wi-Fi solution, and may require someone to manually collect data from the loggers. However, they can still provide you with peace of mind that you will always have a complete set of data.
Vaccine transport
The transport stage of the pharmaceutical cold chain obviously presents different considerations. Firstly, it’s unlikely that a Wi-Fi connection will be available throughout transit. USB data loggers can be a reliable and easy alternative where
Example of a Wi-Fi-connected vaccine temperature data logger with cloud-connected mobile app.
wireless solutions, such as Wi-Fi, are not an option. A USB data logger will still automatically collect data readings, but, instead of uploading these via Wi-Fi, readings are initially stored on the device. Data can then be downloaded to a laptop or PC at the user’s convenience. This is an easy way to maintain full temperature records and evidence that vaccines are safe to use when they arrive in transit, potentially preventing harmful or ineffective vaccines being administered to patients. Some USB data loggers will have an on-board alert status, so that the recipient can see instantaneously if there is a temperature issue. A common concern with USB data loggers is that without wireless
communication, you potentially won’t know that there is a temperature issue until the vaccines have already lost potency. For a more comprehensive solution, you may choose to combine your data logger with an advanced sensor that offers wireless alarm functionality. For example, some sensors offer SMS text message notifications. Perhaps you could direct these text messages to a non- driving staff member in the cabin of a lorry or van, or alternatively, to a phone that is regularly checked at stops in transit. A member of your delivery staff can receive the SMS notification and potentially correct the temperature issue during transit before the vaccines lose potency.
Example of a USB vaccine temperature data logger with a specialist probe, designed to replicate internal vaccine temperature.
August 2020 Health Estate Journal 39
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