Monitoring temperatures in your medication storage areas, when done manually, is a time-consuming and tedious – yet absolutely necessary – task. Fortunately, there is a viable and easy-to-implement technology to automate this process: the wireless temperature monitoring system. Comprising hardware, software, and a personal computer or server, a wireless temperature monitoring system measures temperatures with a probe that transmits data, via a radio frequency signal, to a receiver. The receiver is connected to the hospital’s internal computer network, which routes temperature data to a PC equipped with system software that stores the data and determines if an alert should be triggered for out-of-range conditions. Users can view temperature data, respond to alarms, document follow-up actions, and generate summary reports from the computer.

In our annual “State of Pharmacy Automation” survey, Pharmacy Purchasing & Products polled directors of pharmacy on their rate of implementation of wireless temperature monitoring systems. Results indicate that a significant majority (85.6%) of facilities do not yet use this technology (see Figure 1). However, nearly half (47.1%) have plans to install a wireless temperature monitoring system in the future, indicating strong growth for this product class in the years to come. Interestingly, although a staggering 95.5% of pharmacists report satisfaction with their wireless temperature monitoring system (see Figure 2), 42.8% report they do not know the name of the vendor system in use at their facilities.

With this in mind, PP&P seeks to increase your awareness of the available systems and brings you the following buyer’s guide, offering descriptions of some of the products in the market. You can use this buyer’s guide to research your options and learn about the numerous vendors offering wireless temperature monitoring systems today. To receive more information about any of the products listed in the guide, simply circle their corresponding numbers on the free reader service card bound in this issue. You can also use the card to renew your free subscription to PP&P.

Features to Consider During System Selection

•Compatibility with Your Environment: Will the system’s radio frequency signals interfere with other systems, such as telemetry or portable phones? Are the software and network requirements compatible with your current systems? Your biomedical engineering, facilities, and IT departments should be able to answer these questions.

•Customizable Alert Features: Does the vendor offer several notification methods, such as e-mail, pages, and computer pop-up screens?

•Responding to Alerts: Does the system allow you to easily document follow-up actions taken after an alert?

•Maintenance: Will the system inform you if any components (i.e., transmitters, receivers, and probes) are malfunctioning or require attention?

•Probe Options: Air probes are standard for most systems, but submersible probes, which are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations during med passes, can cut down on “false alarms” in high-use refrigerators and freezers.

•Documentation Features: Does the system’s software allow you to generate reports that illustrate trends in your medication storage areas? Does it track all of the information required by the Joint Commission, CMS, CDC, and your state board of pharmacy? 

Aegis Scientific 

www.aegisfridge.com

The Aegis Wireless Network Monitor can monitor temperature conditions across all of your facility's departments, from pharmacy to surgery.

CIMTechniques, Inc.

www.cimtechniques.com      

CIMScan-6 monitors multiple points of temperature and humidity, relays data continuously, produces custom reports, and immediately alerts staff when there is out-of-range data.  

Cooper-Atkins Corporation

www.cooper-atkins.com

  The Temp Trak System samples temperatures once a minute and transmits temperature data once every five minutes, if the equipment has not had a drastic temperature swing.

Hampshire Controls

www.hampshirecontrols.com

The CMS-II temperature monitoring system runs off an industry standard SQL server, can operate on its own or in an existing IT environment, and is compatible with third-party maintenance tools.

Isensix, Inc.

www.isensix.com

The Isensix Advanced Remote Monitoring System (ARMS) continuously monitors parameters, such as refrigerator and freezer temperatures, room temperatures, and humidity.