Calibration of temperature sensors during storage and transportation of COVID-19 vaccines

Pharmaceutical companies around the world are working overtime to produce a vaccine for COVID-19 that is accepted. While that work continues, other companies are already planning how to distribute the vaccines. Perhaps the most significant challenge will be temperature control, as some novel Coronavirus vaccines will need to be stored and shipped at ultra-low temperatures (ULT), typically between -86 and -45 ° C. For COVID-19 vaccines, it is essential to maintain cryogenic freezing temperatures throughout the entire process, from production to delivery to patients. Any failure could result in much-needed vaccines going to waste.

In order to maintain the quality of the vaccine, temperature sensors will monitor and in some cases record the temperature in storage and transportation containers. They will demonstrate that the vaccine is maintained at the required ultra-low temperature at all times and therefore retains maximum potency. Because these temperature probes used to measure and provide important temperature data are considered to have reliable sources, some users may mistakenly assume that they are automatically accurate. In reality, temperature sensors drift and degrade over time, so regular inspection and adjustment or complete replacement is a key step that cannot be forgotten. However, finding equipment that can accurately test and calibrate ULT temperatures at -86 ° C was a challenge.

AMETEK STC has a solution in its JOFRA RTC reference temperature calibration line, specifically THE RTC-159. The RTC-159 has a low temperature range of -100℃, providing an adequate range of availability for calibrating temperature sensors used in ULT measurements. In addition to the temperature range, the RTC-159 is accurate up to 0.06 ° C, stable up to 0.03 ° C, and boasts a patented DLC system that brings unmatched temperature uniformity and precision to the temperature field.

JOFRA's production facilities in Denmark are ready to meet the industry's urgent temperature calibrators needs. A white paper with more details on sensor calibration for temperature monitoring during storage and transportation of COVID-19 vaccines is available at:

https://www.ametekcalibration.com/knowledge/library/white-papers/temperature-sensor-calibration-covid-19-vaccine.

AMETEK STC manufactures and supplies calibration instruments for temperature, pressure and process signals under the JOFRA and Crystal brands. JOFRA temperature calibrators are known for their accuracy, stability and reliability.