NOVUS data loggers: allies in search of a cure for COVID
The Covid-19 pandemic has put all eyes on the planet on science advances and the developing of a cure for the disease. Clinics and research centers around the world have spared no effort in seeking the vaccine for a virus that has made more than a million victims.
In early December 2020, the United Kingdom was the first country to approve the use of a vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and to start a vaccination campaign that prioritized health professionals and risk groups. Other European countries later adopted the same system.
However, the road to a massive application is quite long. It is necessary to define priority groups, guarantee the stock of supplies – such as syringes -, offer training to professionals and, of course, ensure that the distribution and storage of each dose is done at the right temperature without changing the medication properties.
Most vaccines – including some that are being developed and tested to try to contain the Sars-CoV-2 virus – can be stored between 2 ° C and 8 ° C. However, the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine is made from RNA, a molecule that degrades easily and, therefore, requires more storage care: the immunizer needs to be kept at a temperature below -70 ° C during transport in order not to lose its effectiveness.
The company created its own cooler filled with dry ice to distribute the medicine keeping it at the right temperature. But how to ensure that such a low temperature will be kept in hospitals, health centers and vaccination clinics?
Data loggers become more important than ever!
Temperature control in the transport and storage of medicines and vaccines is very strict. Many countries have extensive regulations on the subject, often requiring the maintenance of recorded data for several years or the guarantee that digital systems are protected against invasions.
NOVUS has a considerable data loggers portfolio and many of these devices are suitable and certified for use in the pharmaceutical industry. One of these solutions is the LogBox Wi-Fi. Already used in laboratories and clinics around the world, the LogBox Wi-Fi is a data logger with Wi-Fi connectivity for up to three temperature sensors, allowing accurate measurement in up to three climatic zones.
It can work as an IoT device or be installed on existing IT networks, as part of a local supervisory system. Due to LogBox Wi-Fi connectivity, it is possible to remotely monitor and record data, within facilities that have Wi-Fi network infrastructure. The data is stored in the cloud and can be accessed remotely via a smartphone or computer. Ease of use and setup are highlights of the device, which provides uninterrupted data recording, even in the event of a power or link failure thanks to its backup battery.
But most importantly, the LogBox Wi-Fi meets fundamental requirements to be used in the pharmaceutical industry, as it can be used in system validations, supporting the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 resolution through configuration and data collection software NXperience Trust.
Undoubtedly, the Covid-19 crisis is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, but this ended up accelerating the development and improvement of several technologies not only in the health area.
While laboratories and universities join forces searching for a definitive cure, the other sectors of the industry seek to collaborate within their areas of knowledge and work.
NOVUS is prepared for this challenge and our data loggers are able to be the solution you are looking for in temperature monitoring and recording, ensuring the quality of your medication and the health of patients.
