The success of efforts against vaccine-preventable diseases is attributable in part to proper storage and handling of vaccines. Exposure of vaccines to temperatures outside the recommended ranges can adversely affect their potency and reduce the protection they provide.  -CDC's MMWR October 24, 2003 / Vol. 52 / No. 42

Coldchain Technology Services recognizes that most facilities/businesses operate on strict budgets while striving to meet industry standards and regulations. CTS offers assessment services to help you decide whether you need to invest in new equipment and whether it's time to institute an electronic monitoring capability. Depending on your needs, we can assess a single refrigerated unit or provide extensive on-site evaluations to include protocols, equipment, SOPs, process improvements, etc.

CTS offers unit assessment services for:
	Refrigerators	Freezers	Walk-in units
	Incubators	Blood Bank	Laboratories
	Pharmacies	Clinical Areas	Patient Rooms
	Warehouses	Morgue Units	And More...

CTS assessments provide data that may be invaluable to QC managers, maintenance personnel, infectious disease managers, office managers, nurses, physicians, and pharmacists. The assessment can help:

• identify deficiencies and provides recommendations on how to fix the problems. The customer can then make informed, calculated decisions rather than Best Guess efforts to rectify equipment or process problems detected.
• document you have performed due diligence to insure that your unit operates within prescribed temperature parameters.
• document compliance with USP, JCAHO, CDC, and FDA guidelines.
• eliminate vaccine / medication loss due to compromised storage temperatures.
• ensure vaccine / medication efficacy is not compromised by improper storage temperature.
• document process improvement efforts as part of a QA / QC program.
• provide a comprehensive roadmap to satisfy the audit portion of critical contained environment areas.

• 3M TL20 portable temperature recording device.
• Size: 70 mm x 44 mm x 11 mm (2.8 in x 1.7 in x 0.4 in)
• Weight: 26 grams (0.91 oz.)
• Reliable and accurate recording with accuracy or +/- .5 degrees C between -20 C and 30 C. 
• NIST calibration certificates are available upon request.

NOTE: For assessments of equipment or facilities outside of this temperature logger range, we offer a verity of equipment that can meet your special requirements.

• Detailed assessment of equipment function over the 14 day period.
• Summary graph of hourly average temperature of the unit.
• Unit identification details (room, department, unit number, etc.).
• Summary information includes minimum, maximum and average temperatures (with dates and times of excursions, time at maximum, time at minimum, and range).
• Summary graph of hourly average temperature of the unit.
• List of each hourly average temperature data point (displayed in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit) with date/time of collection. Each value is color coded to indicate temperature excursions (high or low) versus normal range.
• This assessment may document no current problems, your unit may be functioning within expected parameters and no adjustment is necessary.
• If a problem is documented (such as malfunctioning equipment, improper temperature settings, misuse of the unit, overuse of the unit, etc.) we also provide recommendations on how to correct the identified deficiencies. Some units are not suitable for pharmaceutical storage and may require maintenance or replacement. The CTS assessment report will include recommendations regarding how to resolve the problems identified.

• Reports vary depending on the number of units assessed, site visits, procedures, and site policies.