Both charts and pens need to be replaced regularly, and if dozens of these are in use, the expenditure on paper charts and pens can start to pile up. For greater resolution into subtle temperature differentials, a larger chart recorder will be required.Ī further factor for consideration is the cost of operation. However, despite their reliability and simplicity, chart recorders still create a need for a member of staff to change the chart paper, typically once a day or once a week, and to store the chart safely for compliance. With these advantages, chart recorders have become a common method for monitoring cold storage. It is possible to save and file the charts to create a thorough record of temperature. Chart Recordersįor continuous recording of fridge and freezer temperatures, chart recorders are a reliable, relatively low-cost and simple to manage method that has been employed for decades. It should also be noted that this method does not allow for continuous monitoring, nor can it raise alarms in real-time should a problem occur. The drawbacks of this methods are the high labor costs, the burdensome record keeping and the risk of human error. The advantages of these simple instruments are their low capital costs, their ease of use and their well-established history. The reliability of data logged can be affected by factors as simple as whether the instruments are positioned in a manner that allows for easy reading, or whether the lighting in each area is adequate to view the instruments clearly.įinally, manual recordings have lower levels of reliability than other types, as they could easily be tampered with in the instance of a regulatory or liability action. If a number of cold storage facilities are being monitored, this task could take up several hours each day, which could add up to a high cost of operation.įurthermore, while storing log sheets for record keeping is entirely feasible, this method is the most vulnerable to human error. While the upfront outlay for a thermometer is low, it is important not to forget the personnel costs of paying employees to measure and record this information on a daily basis. Although the task of taking and recording the temperature measurement is a simple one, other drawbacks can make this technique a less suitable option. The readings are noted in a logbook by hand and can be stored for record keeping. Usually, a technician or other team member attends to each fridge or freezer a minimum of two times per day and logs the reading from a thermometer tracking the internal temperature. Thermometers have been utilized for centuries and are the simplest technique through which to monitor fridge and freezer temperatures. This article will provide a short outline of each method, a description of how it is typically used and what the benefits and drawbacks are of each method. In fundamental terms, there are four options for monitoring fridge/freezer temperatures: If our industry is regulated, are we keeping adequate records to be compliant with regulatory requirements?.Are the records we keep adequate to guarantee our samples remain intact and viable?.Are we paying close attention to our cold storage – monitoring at regular points and taking action where conditions beyond standard thresholds are detected?.Does my temperature monitoring device offer a high level of accuracy?. ![]() Whatever the particular quality standards or codes of compliance relevant to your industry, an effective temperature monitoring program should be able to answer these key questions: With this in mind, what are the options for protecting valuable samples in cold storage? Introduction ![]() In the USA in 2018, two separate fertility clinics suffered cryo failures, resulting in the loss of thousands of embryos and eggs stored for those hoping to have children. In some instances, the samples stored in freezers cannot be assigned a simple monetary value. Likewise, in order to avoid spoilage and to ensure compliance with federal regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), food service and storage facilities must maintain low temperatures for thousands of dollars’ worth of food. Quality systems and federal regulations, such as 21 CFR Part 11, frequently demand that temperature in freezers and refrigerators is fully documented. The materials held in cold storage by biology and pharma labs can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, and it is vital that these remain at a sufficiently low temperature to order to avoid being rendered unusable. Sponsored Content by Elemental Machines Mar 29 2019įor a large number of industries and applications, monitoring of cold storage is an absolute necessity.
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