TEMPERATURE MONITORING Quantity discounts
You should always ask your supplier what its discount structure is, particularly for large-scale installation projects It is rare that a supplier is not prepared to offer any discount. If you are planning to purchase in batches, it might affect the size of the batches you order if you can access a higher discount for a certain order quantity.
Example of a dual-probe data logger in alert state.
Data loggers’ benefits
The main benefit of data loggers is that they provide you with a more robust system for your vaccine temperature monitoring. Rest assured that you will always have a complete set of accurate temperature readings for every vaccine. Use this data to prove your due diligence in maintaining vaccine potency and, in some instances, ensure that your processes meet industry regulations. In all cases, organisations dealing with temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals should ensure that they are confident in their industry guidelines. Suppliers of sensors and data loggers are unlikely to be experts in your field. If you’re unsure whether a data logger can help you to meet industry guidelines, it is best to consult with your governing body.
Technical considerations for installation Perhaps the biggest barrier to medical facilities installing data loggers (particularly on a large scale) is the time and resource required for set-up. It can be a long-term and expensive project to install a large number of data loggers, not to mention the time required to train staff members on how to use the loggers, and the processes involved. Whenever considering a large-scale technological installation, always contact your supplier first and ask what support it can offer. A few key factors to ask about are:
Product demonstrations and samples
It’s a huge commitment to purchase potentially thousands of pounds’ worth of technology from one company. Your supplier should give you the opportunity to be absolutely certain that its product will achieve the functionality you’re looking for. Product demonstrations via video call can be a great start. Further to that, the supplier may be able to loan you products to trial, or at least offer a discounted rate for a trial unit.
40 Health Estate Journal August 2020
Custom set-up advice and support Do not underestimate the initial requirement for proper set-up. Every device could require the configuration of a custom sample rate, alert settings, connectivity settings, online user permissions, and more. A good supplier will make this as straightforward for your organisation as possible. Is it willing to pre- configure devices? Can it provide specific training/set-up guides for your staff? Does it have technical staff that are available to support throughout?
Ongoing technical support After set-up, what sort of ongoing technical support can your supplier offer? Can it carry out recalibration, and what is its process for this?
Steps to finding the ideal solution If you want to access the benefits offered by data loggers, start considering your specific application. What stage of the cold chain do you deal with? What type of connectivity/data download would be best for your organisation?, and what other functions will best help you to meet industry guidelines or reduce staff workload?
A wide range of suppliers can offer temperature monitoring solutions. A good supplier will offer free advice and support to ensure that you choose a solution that’s right for you. If it has a strong technical background, it might even be able to create custom products specific to your organisation’s application. Similarly, it may be able to integrate its products into your information management systems, perhaps using an API or custom software. The best way to find the ideal solution for you is to call suppliers and ask their advice. Look for a supplier that’s willing to be flexible and go the extra mile. Particularly for large scale temperature monitoring projects, the implementation of data loggers can be a costly and time- consuming exercise. Ensure that you get value for your investment in the form of a highly robust monitoring system.
References 1 GlobalData Healthcare, 2020. Covid-19 vaccine development is picking up the pace, supported by government and private funds [online] Clinical Trials Arena 12 May 2020 [
https://tinyurl.com/ycs55xug].
David Ing
David Ing is the FilesThruTheAir Team manager at Corintech. He has been with the company since 2007, having joined as Engineering manager, and was instrumental in the development of the EL-WiFi and EL-Mote range of data loggers. After graduating from
Southampton Solent University in 1994, having studied Electronics and Communications, his first job was with Brookes & Gatehouse, where he developed marine instrumentation for sailing and racing yachts. While there, he undertook some prestigious developments, especially for single- handed sailors, the pinnacle being the autopilot for the yacht that took Ellen MacArthur around the world on her famous voyage.
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On joining Corintech in 2007 as Engineering manager, he saw its Development team grow and encompass all engineering disciplines. In addition to his involvement with FilesThruTheAir products, his remit includes Corintech sub-contract design and manufacturing services, including designing gas monitors, muscle stimulators, and hospital bedside handsets. In his current role he leads the team that oversees activities related to products designed, manufactured, and sold, by Corintech under the FilesThruTheAir trademark.
2 World Health Organization, 2015. WHO Vaccine Management Handbook Module VMH-E2: How To Monitor Temperatures In The Vaccine Cold Chain [ebook]. Geneva: Expanded Programme on Immunization of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, pp7-16 [
https://tinyurl.com/yam98oup].
3 Public Health England, 2017. Immunisation Against Infectious Disease [ebook]. London, 2 September 2014; pp17-36 [
https://tinyurl.com/nqbpvr5].
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