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Temperature
data loggers from Signatrol are playing a crucial role in helping
the Medical Supplies Agency validate their packaging methods used
in the transportation of blood products for the MoD
With
British Forces operating around the world, great importance is placed
on the logistical task of ensuring troops, personnel, equipment
and vital medical supplies arrive in the right place, at the right
time and in optimum condition.
Vital supplies of blood and blood products, as with other critical
medication, must be transported and stored within strict temperature
limits of +2°C to +6°C and any excursions from this band
will render supplies unusable.
Temperature data loggers from Signatrol are playing a crucial role
in helping the Medical Supplies Agency validate their packaging
methods used in the transportation of blood products for the MOD.
SL150 logging tags are being employed to travel directly with the
portable blood banks on what are considered to be the 'worst of
journeys' to areas such as the Falklands, Belize and Sierra Leone.
Individual bags of blood are packed in multiples of five inside
outer bags which are in turn packed in non-returnable insulated
cartons together with melting ice.
The packaging method is designed to maintain the required temperature
for up to 48 hours and the consignment under test has a SL150 logger
placed directly in one of the outer bags in order to measure the
temperature profile at a predetermined point within the carton.
The SL150 is ideal for such applications and provides a detailed
time and date temperature profile.
The data logger is housed in a fully weld-sealed, crevice free,
robust hygienic plastic tag which is only 10mm thick. The unit uses
a patented induction technique for set up and data down-load which
means there are no plugs, sockets or entries of any kind.
Powered by an internal battery, the SL150 can be programmed to log
at intervals from 1 minute up to 255 minutes with a measurement
range of -30°C to +70°C.
Comprehensive and user friendly Windows Software provides a simple
set up procedure and the unit can be programmed with information
such as manifest details, consignment member, destination and flight
details.
Once the consignment of blood has arrived at its destination, the
logger can be removed and returned to the MSA for analysis.
Stored data is easily downloaded via the base unit to a PC or lap
top computer and can be displayed graphically or saved in a standard
spread sheet format.
Data is stored in such a way the it cannot be altered or tampered
with, thus providing an accurate picture of what actually happened
during the journey.
In addition to being used to monitor temperatures of blood during
transit, the MSA also use the loggers to validate their fridges
for storing blood products and their blood plasma freezers.
A representative of the MSA Blood Supply Department commented: "We
are very pleased with the performance and flexibility of the Signatrol
data loggers. The units are extremely quick and easy to set up and
use. Their robust nature makes them almost "soldier proof"
and they are providing us with valuable and reliable data in a highly
critical area. We were confident that our packaging methods were
more than adequate but its reassuring to have firm evidence. However,
we are never complacent and the loggers will continue to travel
in future consignments of blood around the world."
The SL150 is just part of Signatrol's extensive range of standard
and bespoke data loggers and recorders.
For
more information - click
here |
