Data Loggers & Vaccine Storage- Signatrol UK

Portable data logger ensures correct storage conditions for vaccines

Leading data logging specialists Signatrol are introducing a special pharmacy version of their compact SL120 series of portable data loggers. The SL121D Vaxigard has been specifically developed for monitoring the storage and transportation temperature of vaccines and other temperature sensitive drugs, and can be used for any part of the supply chain from manufacturer through to patient.

There are no clear figures on the value of vaccines scrapped each year in the UK through inadequate storage control but it certainly runs into millions of pounds. Live vaccines will tolerate freezing, but deteriorate rapidly after removal from refrigeration, whilst inactivated vaccines are ruined by freezing but will tolerate short times out of refrigeration. It is therefore vitally important that any vaccine that has been outside the recommended storage range should be segregated and scrapped. It is better not to vaccinate than to administer a dose of vaccine that has been mishandled.

Best practice pharmacy guidelines stipulate that vaccines should be stored between 2°C and 8°C and that the temperature within storage refrigerators should be recorded on a daily basis using a max-min thermometer. However this process not only relies on the diligence of the staff but also does not give any indication of the duration of any temperature excursions. Maintaining usable temperature records for traceability purposes is also cumbersome.

By contrast the self-contained Vaxigard keeps a permanent record of the storage temperature, showing maximum and minimum temperatures, and provides an audible alarm to alert staff if the temperature goes outside the preset hi and lo limits for a predetermined time. The built-in LED also flashes to indicate an alarm condition. The Vaxigard has a measuring range from -20ºC to +50ºC, and up to 16000 readings can be stored in the logger. Logging intervals can be set from 30 seconds to 24 hours and the internal battery provides in excess of 3 years’ life. With the large memory, data can be downloaded at infrequent intervals, say every 3 months, and historical records maintained on a PC, but immediate annunciation of an alarm condition enables remedial action to be taken before the vaccine is damaged.

Configuration and data retrieval is carried out via a PC using the powerful TempIT-Lite software package which can be down-loaded free of charge from the Signatrol web site (www.signatrol.com). For greater functionality, the SL121D can be used with the cost effective TempIT-Pro package which amongst other features includes Mean Kinetic Temperature (MKT) calculations, MKT being directly related to shelf life. Both versions provide powerful, yet easy to use, graphing capabilities as well as a platform to set up and issue the logger. Data are saved in an encrypted form but can be exported in spreadsheet format and a maximum of 450 characters of manifest information can be programmed within the logger for easy identification and data retrieval.

Each Vaxigard logger comes with its own traceable calibration certificate and the software can be programmed to alert the user when recalibration is required.

The logger is housed in a robust ABS case and the integral mounting hole can be used to secure the logger in a specific position. Signatrol also provide low cost once-only-use security ties with unique serial numbers for added monitoring integrity.

More details are available HERE