Improving Blood Bank Temperature Monitoring System with Data Loggers

Temperature control is critical in transporting and storing blood products, as any weak link in the chain can lead to endless issues. To ensure that stored and transported products are kept at the correct temperature limits, it is vital to have an effective blood bank temperature monitoring system. Here is how to build it.

Key takeaways

• Blood storage facilities must maintain optimal temperatures for the safety of patients obtaining blood products.
• The suitable storage temperature for blood products is 2-6°C.
• The transportation temperature should be within 1-10°C.
• Data loggers are helpful tools to monitor and log the temperature of blood products in storage or during transportation.
• Marathon Products provides a variety of data loggers designed to meet the needs of a blood bank monitoring system – from wireless Bluetooth devices to standalone models with multiple sensors. 

Whether you run a hospital, food manufacturing company, pharmaceutical, or blood bank, monitoring temperature throughout the cold chain is critical. Otherwise, you risk exposing the products to unsuitable conditions, which can lead to spoilage and other issues.

Red blood cells require temperatures between +2°C and + 6°C during storage and transportation. Any deviation from these limits can put the product at risk of hemolysis, a process where red blood cells break down due to temperature changes. 

The good news is that you can eliminate these risks with the help of data loggers. These tools can come in handy in monitoring blood bank temperatures by providing constant updates and setting off an alarm in the event of an excursion. 

Read on to understand what data loggers are and how they can help build a better blood bank monitoring system.

Why temperature control for blood products matters

Legal regulations require blood-related products to be stored only in refrigerated facilities like labs and blood banks. The laws further stipulate that these facilities must maintain a specific temperature range that must be monitored regularly.

The permissible temperature ranges for storing red blood cells (RBCs) are between +2°C and +6°C during storage and -10°C or lower during transportation. If not, the hemoglobin in the cells can break down and cause a dangerous condition called hemolysis. This breakdown of red blood cells can lead to severe medical conditions for recipients.

What is the solution? Data loggers

By continuously recording and storing temperature data, temperature data loggers (TMLs) can provide accurate and reliable information about the storage conditions of blood products.

Since these devices do not require human intervention, they can do the hard work for extended periods, which is invaluable in the blood bank industry. 

The TDLs are small, self-powered units that can be installed and connected to a network or internet for remote access. They are typically equipped with alarms that go off whenever the temperature falls outside the acceptable range.

Here are the detailed reasons you should consider integrating TDLs into your blood bank temperature monitoring system.

-Reliable monitoring & alerts

The most obvious benefit of temperature data loggers is their ability to monitor and record temperature data over extended periods. With this feature, you do not need to be constantly present to determine if temperatures fall outside the acceptable range; an alarm will do this on your behalf. 

For example, suppose you are transporting blood from your facility to a hospital. You will probably pass by areas where the temperature may go below -10°C. With a temperature data logger, you will be alerted if this happens so that you can take corrective action immediately.

-Easier regulatory compliance

You must comply with all regulatory standards and guidelines when dealing with blood products. With a temperature data logger, you will get accurate records of the temperature conditions throughout each stage of the cold chain.

Moreover, TDLs can also help organizations identify any discrepancies between their internal monitoring systems and the requirements set by regulatory authorities. This makes it easier to address these issues before they escalate. 

-Improved quality control

The information collected by temperature data loggers helps stakeholders ensure the quality of blood products. Accurate records make it easier to identify any issues that may have occurred during storage and transportation. This further allows you to address these problems quickly and effectively before they result in hemolysis or other complications. 

In addition, TDLs also allow organizations to track their performance over time, making it easier for them to assess their progress and improve their processes accordingly. This helps maintain a higher quality control level when dealing with blood products.

-Cost savings

Temperature data loggers can help organizations save money in the long run. By monitoring temperatures closely, personnel can reduce waste due to spoilage and ensure that the blood is stored and transported safely. This reduces the need for costly emergency transportation, which can usually add up quickly into thousands of dollars.

Best practices for blood bank temperature monitoring systems with data loggers

Despite the many perks of data loggers for blood transportation and storage, you must follow best practices to achieve the desired results. Here are some guidelines.

-Get the right TDLs

Not every data logger is created equal. For example, the 2c/temp-LCD data logger is ideal for most applications, providing minimum and maximum temperatures, run time, and alarm status. These features are essential for monitoring temperature in blood banks. 

Therefore, pay attention to the features provided by TDLs when choosing one for your blood bank.

-Set an ideal temperature range

The biggest aim of a data logger is to alert you when a specific temperature range is exceeded, so you must set an ideal temperature range for storage and transportation. 

The ideal storage temperature is between +2°C and + 6°C. If the temperature drops below this level, you can expect similar results as storing at low temperatures. However, if it gets too hot, there’s a risk of microbial contamination.

-Set alerts and log data

When the TDL senses that the stored or transported temperature is outside the preset range, it sends an alert via email or text to notify you quickly. This allows you to take action before irreparable damage is done.

The TDL also allows you to log data over time. This helps you ensure that the temperature has been constant, just as needed, and that no sudden changes have occurred.

Improve your temperature monitoring system with Marathon Products Data Loggers

With their ability to detect temperature fluctuations and deviations, data loggers are vital in ensuring blood products are stored within the required temperature range, safeguarding their integrity and efficacy. 

But like with any other tool, you can only get the desirable results from your data loggers if you acquire them from a reliable provider. So, if you want quality and accurate TDLs, partner with Marathon Products. 

As a top-rated precision environmental monitoring device provider, you can count on us for the most precise, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for your blood bank monitoring system. 

From EDL-4s to Min/Max Plus, our data loggers are designed to record and store accurate readings to easily monitor temperatures in multiple locations, allowing you to keep track of conditions without physical intervention.

Don’t hesitate to contact us or check our website to find all our products for your blood bank temperature monitoring system.