Pharmacy Temperature Monitoring System

A successful drug or vaccine can take decades, and not uncommonly more than a billion dollars, to develop. With all of the cost associated with drug and vaccine development, it's imperative that they be stored properly. Temperature monitoring is the best way to ensure the safety of these life-saving drugs and vaccines.

How E-Control Systems Works for Pharmaceuticals


E-Control Systems offers a comprehensive solution for monitoring and managing pharmaceutical environments. Our system uses advanced sensors to continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature and humidity in pharmaceutical facilities. Real-time data is collected, analyzed, and displayed on a centralized dashboard, providing instant visibility into the conditions of storage areas and production spaces.

Our solutions provide proactive management through instant alerts and notifications. When any deviation occurs from the specified range of parameters, designated personnel are promptly alerted, allowing them to take immediate action to prevent potential damage to pharmaceutical products. The customizable alert mechanisms ensure quick responses and minimize risks associated with temperature fluctuations, humidity variations, or compromised air quality. Additionally, our solution supports compliance with regulatory requirements by offering detailed documentation, audit logs, and reports, helping pharmaceutical companies maintain quality standards and meet regulatory guidelines.

E-Control Systems Features for Pharmaceuticals

What makes E-Control Systems stand out? Our sensors and intelligates can monitor any aspect of your Pharmaceuticals business 24/7.


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Cell Phone Alerts:

Receive Real-time alerts right on your cell phone, should any of your temperatures fall out of range, thus giving you an opportunity to avoid costly product loss.

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FusionLiveā„¢ Dashboard:

See your entire operation, including multiple locations at a glance, on your customized Dashboard.

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24/7 Continuous Monitoring:

Rest assured knowing that your equipment temperatures are being monitored 24 hours a day.

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Web & App Based:

Our software is both web based and App based, making it possible to view your operation virtually anywhere.

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Daily Summary Reports:

View and print Daily Summary Reports of all your locations/assets and see the overall performance of your entire operation.

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Great on Any Device:

View Your Operation 24/7/365 from any computer, smart phone, or tablet.


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What Sets Our Pharmaceuticals Monitoring Apart from Other Options in the Market?


Our E-Control Systems' pharmaceutical monitoring solution sets itself apart from other options in the market through its unique features and capabilities. Firstly, our system offers comprehensive monitoring of critical parameters such as temperature and humidity in pharmaceutical equipment and environments. It provides real-time data collection and analysis, allowing for proactive management and immediate response to any deviations from optimal conditions. The customizable alert mechanisms ensure quick notifications to designated personnel, minimizing risks and ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical products.

Secondly, E-Control Systems provides advanced features tailored specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. Our solution supports compliance with regulatory requirements by offering detailed documentation, audit logs, and reports, simplifying the process of meeting quality standards and regulatory guidelines. The  system enables comprehensive data logging, reporting, and analytics, facilitating trend analysis, identifying improvement areas, and aiding in decision-making processes. The remote access capability allows authorized personnel to monitor and manage pharmaceutical environments from anywhere, ensuring swift intervention when necessary.

Our Pharmaceuticals Customers Include:


CDC
CDC
CDC
CDC

Pharmacy Refrigerator & Freezer Temperature Monitoring

Optimal Temperatures for Drugs and Vaccines

Proper storage temperatures of Drugs and vaccines are not just recommendations. They’re requirements to ensure their effectiveness. Drugs and vaccines should always be stored and transported within a specific temperature range. This range is usually between 2° and 8°, or between 20° and 25°. (Always check for your specific product temperature range.)

While these products need to be kept at proper temperatures, it is of the utmost importance that drugs and vaccines be protected from freezing temperatures. Even a brief period of below freezing may cause drugs and vaccines to completely lose efficiency. Drugs and vaccines should always be maintained within their temperature range above freezing, but under their maximum temperature as well.


Maintaining Temperature Across All Operations

Drug makers, transporters, and sellers all measure the temperatures of their storage differently. There are not regulations across these operations. Some may have manual systems, and others full-scale temperature monitoring to ensure maximum efficiency and quality. While you cannot ensure what others do, it is always important that you ensure the maximum quality of your drugs and vaccines. Your drugs and vaccines are too valuable not to ensure that their temperatures being maintained at all times with up-to-date technology.

What is a temperature monitoring system for a pharmacy?

Pharmacy temperature monitoring systems are the optimal way to ensure the safety of life-saving pharmaceutical products and medications.  It's vital that medications have proper storage to maintain their efficacy for the protection of patients.  A pharmacy temperature monitoring system typically includes:

  • Sensors: Placed in storage areas like refrigerators, freezers, and ambient storage, these sensors continuously measure temperature.
  • Alarms and Alerts: Alarms and alerts notify staff if temperatures deviate from the set range, allowing immediate action to prevent spoilage.
  • Data Logging and Reporting: These record temperature data over time, providing a historical record for compliance and quality control purposes.
  • Remote Monitoring: Remote monitoring allows pharmacy staff to check temperatures from a distance, through a computer or smartphone app.
  • Calibration and Compliance: These ensure accuracy and comply with regulatory requirements, like the FDA or the  CDC. Temperature monitoring systems are essential in pharmacies, where many products, like vaccines and certain medications, require strict temperature control.

E-Control Systems' IntelliSense™  is part of our comprehensive wireless monitoring solution,  for environments where temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors must be strictly controlled and monitored, like in pharmacies and healthcare. Our sensors can monitor any aspect of your pharmacy or healthcare business, 24/7. Our IntelliGate™  acts as a gateway or hub in the E-Control Systems setup, serving as a bridge between wireless sensors and the network, providing a seamless flow of information.

What are the pharmaceutical temperature monitoring requirements?

Pharmaceutical temperature monitoring requirements vary depending on regulatory agencies and the specific types of pharmaceuticals but generally include:

  • Temperature Range and Stability: Pharmaceutical products have specific temperature ranges for storage, often detailed in regulatory guidelines or by the manufacturer. For example, vaccines and certain biologics require refrigeration, typically between 35°F to 46°F.
  • Continuous Monitoring and Logging: Constant monitoring of temperature with accurate and calibrated equipment is essential. This includes recording data at regular intervals to provide a historical record for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
  • Alarm Systems: Pharmacy temperature monitoring should be in place to alert staff of any deviations from the required temperature range, allowing for quick corrective action to prevent spoilage.
  • Validation and Calibration of Equipment: Regular validation and calibration of monitoring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • Mapping and Validation of Storage Areas: Ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout storage areas, which may involve temperature mapping and validation processes.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to guidelines set by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or the World Health Organization (WHO). Compliance may include specific documentation and reporting procedures.
  • Training and Procedures: Staff training in proper handling and storage procedures, including the operation of monitoring equipment, and the existence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing temperature excursions.
  • Emergency Procedures and Backups: Plans for power failures or equipment malfunctions, including backup power sources and alternate storage solutions.

Temperature monitoring requirements are designed to maintain the integrity of pharmaceuticals from production through dispensing, ensuring they remain safe and effective.

What thermometers are used in the pharmaceutical industry?

Accurate,  reliable thermometers are essential for temperature monitoring In the pharmaceutical industry,  for the proper storage and handling of pharmaceutical products. Several types of thermometers are commonly used:

  • Digital Thermometers: These provide precise temperature readings and are used for their ease of use, accuracy, and the ability to record and store data.
  • Infrared (IR) Thermometers: IR thermometers are used for non-contact surface temperature readings. They are particularly useful in situations where it's not possible or safe to touch the object being measured.
  • Data Loggers with Temperature Sensors: These devices record temperature over time and are ideal for monitoring storage areas or during transportation. They can provide a comprehensive record for quality control and regulatory compliance.
  • Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers: Traditional thermometers that can be used in labs for specific tests. Their use is declining due to the risk of breakage and mercury exposure.
  • Thermocouples: Thermocouples are used in industrial applications, and are suitable for a wide range of temperatures and can measure temperature at various points simultaneously.
  • Bimetallic Thermometers: These contain a metal strip made from two different metals and are used in ovens or incubators.
  • Chart Recorders and Thermographs: These temperature monitoring devices provide a continuous record of temperature readings over a period and are useful for monitoring storage environments.
  • Calibrated and Certified Thermometers: For specific quality control processes, these thermometers are calibrated and certified against known standards and used to ensure accuracy.

The choice of thermometer depends on the specific requirements of the task, including the temperature range, accuracy needed, whether contact with the product is feasible, and regulatory compliance needs. In all cases, regular calibration and maintenance of these devices are essential to ensure ongoing accuracy and reliability. 

What is a continuous temperature monitoring device for pharmacy?

A continuous temperature monitoring device for a pharmacy is a system specifically designed to monitor and record the temperature of storage areas where pharmaceutical products are kept. This device ensures that the products, especially those that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations like vaccines and certain medications, are stored in ideal conditions to maintain their efficacy and safety. Important features of these devices include:

  • Continuous Monitoring: The device continuously measures and records temperature data at set intervals, 24/7.
  • Alert Systems: It includes alert mechanisms, such as audible alarms or notifications via email or text, to inform staff of any temperature deviations beyond set thresholds.
  • Data Logging and Reporting: The device logs temperature data over time, which is imperative for compliance with regulatory standards and quality control purposes.
  • Remote Access and Connectivity: Many modern systems offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing pharmacy staff to check temperatures from a computer or smartphone, often in real time.
  • Battery Backup and Power Failure Alerts: To ensure continuous operation, these devices typically have a battery backup and can alert staff in the event of a power failure.
  • Calibration and Compliance: The devices are calibrated for accuracy and are compliant with standards set by the FDA, WHO, or other relevant regulatory authorities.
  • Integration with HVAC Systems: Some advanced systems can integrate with the pharmacy's HVAC system for automated climate control.

What is the ideal temperature for a pharmacy?

The ideal temperature for a pharmacy depends on the specific medications and products being stored; different products have different storage requirements. General guidelines for standard pharmacy storage conditions are as follows:

  • Room Temperature Storage: Most medications should be stored at "controlled room temperature," which, according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), is typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This range accounts for momentary variations that might occur during normal handling.
  • Refrigerated Storage: Some medications, including certain vaccines, insulin, and biologic products, require refrigeration. The standard range for refrigerated storage is between 35°F to 46°F.
  • Freezer Storage: A few products might need to be stored in a freezer. The typical temperature range for freezer storage in a pharmacy is -13°F to 14°F.

Refer to the specific storage instructions provided by the medication's manufacturer, because some products have unique requirements. Pharmacies should use calibrated thermometers and continuous temperature monitoring systems to ensure that these conditions are consistently maintained. 

Pharmacy Refrigerator Temperature Monitoring

How do I check the temperature of my pharmacy refrigerator?

  • Use a Calibrated Thermometer: Opt for a thermometer specifically designed for refrigerators.
  • Correct Placement: Position the thermometer in the refrigerator's center, away from cooling elements, the door, and walls.
  • Allow Stabilization: Let the thermometer sit inside for 15-30 minutes to adjust to the internal temperature.
  • Regular Checks: Perform temperature checks at least daily and maintain a log for compliance and quality control.
  • Respond to Deviations: If temperatures fall outside the recommended range, take immediate action and assess medication safety.
  • Maintain Regularly: Keep the refrigerator well-maintained and serviced.
  • Prepare for Emergencies: Have a plan for temperature deviations or refrigerator failures, including backup storage solutions.

How often should you check the pharmacy's refrigerator and freezer temperature?

Pharmacy refrigerator and freezer temperatures should be checked and documented at least daily to ensure safe storage. Regularly calibrate and maintain pharmacy refrigerator temperature monitoring equipment, have continuous monitoring systems with deviation alarms, and establish procedures for responding to temperature excursions. Staff training in proper temperature management practices is vital, and in hospitals, more frequent checks or advanced digital monitoring may be required to meet regulatory standards.

What are acceptable temperatures for the drug fridge at a pharmacy?

In a pharmacy, the acceptable temperature range for a drug refrigerator is between 35°F to 46°F. Acceptable ranges ensure the efficacy and safety of temperature-sensitive medications, including vaccines and biologics Any deviations from the acceptable ranges must be addressed promptly to prevent compromising the stored medications.

In addition to temperatures, high humidity levels can also have negative effects on medications and pharmaceuticals. Our E-Control System wireless humidity monitoring system uses sensors to continuously monitor the humidity in pharmacies. It enables companies to efficiently manage and control humidity levels while maintaining pharmaceutical product quality and adhering to regulatory standards.

Protect valuable pharmaceuticals stored in refrigerators and freezers by: 

  • Maintaining Efficacy: Ensuring medications remain effective for patient treatment.
  • Safety Assurance: Preventing drug degradation that could lead to health risks.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting strict storage guidelines set by health authorities.
  • Financial Protection: Avoiding the costly loss of expensive pharmaceuticals.
  • Reputation Preservation: Maintaining trust and credibility in healthcare services.
  • Public Health Impact: Ensuring the broader effectiveness of healthcare treatments, especially for vaccines and critical drugs.

E-Control Systems' pharmaceutical temperature monitoring system distinguishes itself in the pharmaceutical and medical refrigeration market. Ensure the maximum quality of medications, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals using advanced technology in temperature monitoring systems from E-Control Systems. 


For more information about what E-Control Systems can do for your pharmacy or medical facility take a look at our Healthcare solutions.

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