The role of temperature alarm systems in medicine
Temperature monitoring systems can be and are used in many
places, but in some cases they are only minor gadgets - useful,
but not vital. This is quite different in Medicine, especially
when vaccine or medicine storage is involved. Most vaccines have
to be stored in freezers and refrigerators and must have
temperature alarms systems installed. Why is that? Aren't the
standard sets of thermometers enough?
In most cases, the answer is "no". There are two main reasons
why temperature alarms and monitoring systems are necessary. One
reason is purely bureaucratic, but the other is utterly
practical.
First, it is more than common that temperature-monitoring
systems are installed because of various federal or state
regulations. They dictate installation of temperature alarms
systems in refrigerators and freezers where certain medical
products are stored. In some cases regulations can require
documenting the storage temperature, so memory functions (or
chart recorders) will be necessary additions to all temperature
monitoring systems you might have.
The second reason is much simpler, yet at least as important as
the first one - temperature alarms systems make sure that you
will know about any possible problems or freezers' breakdowns as
soon as they happen. This insures that the inventory stored is
protected. If the temperature should fluctuate you need to be
immediately notified so that it can be corrected. Too high or
too low temperature can render some medicines and vaccines
unusable and even dangerous to the recipient.
A good temperature alarm system will not only alert you if
temperatures move outside the safe range but will also provide a
temperature history chart so that you can properly trouble-shoot
the problem.