eTimestrip NFC App Available For iOS
Timestrip®, the developer of smart indicator technology, has extended the capability of its electronic eTimestrip indicators with a new app for Apple users. The indicators feature a free app for iOS that allows users to benefit from downloadable reports.
The eTimestrip smart indicator range was launched at the start of the year, and has proved popular with users for detecting temperature breaches in the cold chain. Typically, the devices are deployed in 2-8°C fridge transports in pharmaceuticals, vaccines and food produce, though other temperature monitoring ranges are possible.
The TC489 uses near-field communication (NFC), so that users with a smartphone can download data from the device to PDF or Excel files, providing auditable evidence of temperature breaches. Both Android and Apple devices from iPhone 7 onwards are now supported. The detailed data report includes a record of the number of times the limit has been exceeded, the total time limit exceeded and alarm status.
Alternatively, the single use TC489 can be read simply by viewing the built in LED lights, which blink every 30 seconds, and indicate when the temperature has moved outside the upper or lower limits for 30 minutes. This enables anyone along the cold chain to check the status of the shipment without any special training or equipment,
making the small indicators an attractive alternative to conventional data loggers.
A simpler TC490 indicator is also available, with a 180-day service life and irreversible alarms, providing a highly cost effective solution to temperature monitoring.
We are pleased to be able to offer iOS users the same high quality, cost effective indicator solution that is enjoyed by our Android users. Whatever sector they are in, our clients gain peace of mind, knowing that their products have been properly stored and transported, all the way from manufacture to the point of use.
Nora Murphy, Commercial Director of Timestrip
Smart Indicator Avoids Wastage of Vaccine Supplies
Timestrip® , the developer of smart indicator technology, has introduced a new irreversible temperature indicator that helps healthcare professionals avoid wastage of vaccines. Travelling with packs of vaccine vials, the Vaccine Freezer Monitor ‘VFM -7⁰C’ is activated just when monitoring is required.
The indicator is started simply by pressing a button on the back, and can then quickly be placed in the packaging along with the frozen vaccine vials. From then on, VFM -7⁰C follows the temperature precisely, and shows a clear alert if temperatures rise above -7⁰C. In this case, the vaccine should be discarded or sent for examination.
A built-in window shows the duration of the breach up to 72 hours, but should temperatures rise well above the -7⁰C set point, the window will fill faster, mirroring the effect of temperature on delicate vaccines.
VFM -7⁰C can be activated at any point in the cold chain. The liquid based indicators are completely inert prior to use, and can be stored in freezer, fridge or room temperature. In addition to vaccines, the indicators can be used to protect other sensitive pharmaceutical products.
The smart labels are supplied with a leaflet explaining their correct use, and represent a highly cost effective solution for vials of typically 20-40 per outer pack.
Use of the VFM -7⁰C avoids vaccine wastage and ensures vaccine efficacy is not compromised. It also
Nora Murphy, Commercial Director of Timestrip
encourages sound quality procedures throughout storage and transport of the valuable vaccine supplies.
Originally produced as a custom indicator, VFM -7⁰C is now available for broader use in monitoring sensitive pharma products.
Timestrip smart indicators were used in a study by academics at Reading School of Pharmacy, part of The University of Reading, into people’s confidence in the quality of medicines.
The study focused on the potential re-use of returned medicines. It found that participants’ intention to take part in medicines re-use increased with the presence of the Timestrip® Plus temperature sensors on the packaging. The perceived social pressure to accept the medication also increased. The effect of the indicators was even greater than the promise of pharmacist visual checking of the medicines.
Although medicines re-use is not at present allowed in the UK, the presence of Timestrip indicators on packaging is understood to be a marker of their quality.
Ref: Lam, Y.; McCrindle, R.; Hui, T.K.L.; Sherratt, S.; Donyai, P. The Effect of Quality Indicators on Beliefs about Medicines Reuse: An Experimental Study. Pharmacy 2021, 9, x. https://doi.org/10.3390/xxxxx. Read more here: https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/9/3/128
Timestrip® has introduced new time indicators to support the storage and handling of coronavirus vaccine supplies. These smart single use indicators provide an irreversible alert if the vaccine is stored in refrigerated conditions (2-8°C) for too long after thawing from deep freeze storage.
In an early case example, now that the Pfizer / Biontech vaccine has been approved for UK use, attention has turned to the logistics of supplying it to huge numbers of people. Timestrip indicators can travel with the vaccine supply and withstand the coldest storage temperatures e.g. down to -70°C, yet react when the vaccine consignment is thawed.
From the Timestrip vaccine range, the VRM30 indicator shows the time that vaccines have been held in the chilled 2-8°C range, and has markers for 1, 5 days up to 30 days, making it a suitable solution for the management of many vaccines including from Pfizer, Moderna / J&J and AstraZeneca. VRM30 is designed to compensate automatically for changes in temperature, responding more quickly in warmer conditions.
When the vaccine has been removed from the fridge into room temperature ready to be administered, a VOR12 indicator can be deployed to alert logistics and healthcare professionals that an 8°C threshold has been breached.
It will show the duration for which the vaccine has been Out of Refrigerator, as the indicator window gradually fills. A completely full window indicates that the maximum allowed storage period has been reached, and the vaccine may be compromised.
The eTimestrip range of electronic indicators comprises single use devices that generate a report via a mobile app, and provide detailed information on time and temperature to responsible healthcare staff. This report can be sent for centralised storage, eliminating the need to return the device itself for data analysis.
Conventionally, data loggers can be used in these applications, but the scale of the current challenge means that Timestrip’s small, robust indicators are a lower cost, practical solution, while supporting compliance with regulations.
We continue to innovate at a rapid pace to provide cost effective monitoring solutions, considering the efforts of the WHO, FDA and government bodies in their respective countries. Our main objective is supporting healthcare teams as they provide safe care to nations worldwide.
Nora Murphy, Commercial Director
Timestrip®, the developer of smart indicator technology, has released two new ranges designed to be used with the latest coronavirus vaccines now becoming available. The indicators track temperature and time, and will ensure that vaccines are fresh when administered to patients.
The Timestrip Vaccine Thaw Timer is an event thaw indicator with 24 hour time indication calibrated to run at fridge temperatures. It can be packed with vaccines that require storage at -70°C in the ultra-cold chain, and automatically starts monitoring as the vaccine is thawed and transferred to chilled conditions at the hospital or surgery. It then tracks the time from thaw at 6 hours, 12 hours and up to 24 hours, meeting the specifications for use from manufacturers such as Pfizer.
The Timestrip Vaccine Refrigeration Monitor range comprises three indicators. One is designed to indicate the thawing event of the vaccine; another will time 30 days duration in refrigerator conditions (2°C-8°C), helping the user to manage the vaccine manufacturer’s guidelines for use.
Then, when the vaccine has been taken from the refrigerator and prepared for use, a third indicator monitors how long it has been exposed to temperatures above 8°C, typically at room temperature. The time ‘run out’ for the Vaccine Refrigeration Monitor VOR12 (Vaccine Out of Refrigerator) is up to 12 hours, with shorter times to an alert being seen at higher temperatures.
These Vaccine Refrigeration Monitor products will help overcome challenges in the handling of COVID-19 vaccines up to the point of administering, and are designed to support the manufacturers’ specification for the handling of vaccines such as those from Moderna.
Both indicators provide a clear irreversible indication to healthcare staff that conditions of storage and handling have exceeded acceptable conditions, and that the vaccine consignment cannot be relied upon.
Based on safe chemical technology, both the Vaccine Thaw Timer and Vaccine Refrigeration Monitor range overcome the limitations of batteries used at ultra-low temperatures.
We continue to innovate our patented technology to bring the benefits to important applications such as vaccine distribution, supply and last mile handling. Using these indicators, healthcare professionals worldwide can be supported cost effectively, and guided through soon to be routine practices of handling and managing these vital resources.
Nora Murphy, Commercial Director of Timestrip.
Timestrip has recently added other products to its range in response to coronavirus. These include an indicator to monitor antiviral solutions, and Rapid Diagnostics 15, a 15 minute timer indicator for use with rapid turnaround lateral flow test kits.
Novel Indicators Support the Fight Against Coronavirus
Timestrip® , the developer of smart indicator technology, has moved fast to develop a range of products that support use of the coronavirus vaccines now promising to become available. Special liquid indicators have been created by Timestrip which can travel with the frozen vaccine supplies as they move from manufacture to the point of care, ensuring that any excess
temperature breach can be identified.
As one or more vaccines are planned for distribution, attention is focusing on the ultra-cold chain, as Covid-19 vaccines may need to be stored and transported at temperatures as low as -70C. Any breach of the specified temperature conditions is revealed by the new Timestrip smart labels with a clear irreversible indication.
After thawing, vaccines must be used quickly, usually within a few days, and Timestrip indicators are also available to monitor this critical period and alert medical staff to time expired product.
Antiviral treatments such as Gilead’s VEKLURY® product have also to be kept cool, and then after dilution, can be stored for between one and two days - depending on the storage temperature - prior to administration.
Timestrip indicators are available to monitor these conditions and automatically adjust the time to expiry as conditions change.
Other applications now being made available are a range of indicators for virus specimens as they are sent for laboratory testing. The Virus Specimen Transport (VST) series of indicators includes a time / temperature indicator (TTI) that mirrors the response of the virus specimens, and can alert healthcare organisations to compromised samples.
In yet another initiative, Timestrip has introduced ‘Rapid Diagnostics 15’, a short term time indicator designed for use with the new rapid turnaround lateral flow test kits now being rolled out more widely.
As market leaders in the time and temperate indicator sector, we must play our part and support the great work being carried out during the pandemic. We are working to develop cost effective, bespoke solutions to support the regulatory bodies in their efforts to deliver product safely through the cold and ultra-cold supply chains.
Nora Murphy, Commercial Director of Timestrip
Timestrip has a new white paper detailing the importance of monitoring time and temperature parameters during storing and transporting to point of care
For more information on how Timestrip UK Ltd is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, please see this post.
From integrating TTIs used in virus specimen shipping, to vaccine reminder bands, Timestrip has solutions for all sectors of the pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.
Timestrip UK Ltd was featured in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Packaging Sourcer this month for the line of smart indicators developed for the healthcare industry.
Read the full article below to see how Timestrip indicators are used on everything from biological specimens and pharmaceutical products to the hospital curtains.
We stock electronic temperature indicators with PDF reporting capabilities, along with chemical based time and temperature indicators.
For further reading about our unique time and temperature applications - click here >
Timestrip®, the developer of smart indicator technology, has developed an important new range of indicators to help healthcare professionals meet WHO guidelines in the handling of virus specimens.
The Timestrip Virus Specimen Transport (VST) series has been specially formulated to provide a clear indication when key temperature levels are exceeded.
These indicators monitor when specimens - including coronavirus – have been stored for too long and outside the required temperature range for reliable testing.
Four products make up the VST range.
Together they form an essential tool to support hospitals, surgeries and medical laboratories in storing and transporting virus specimens correctly, and preserving their integrity.
A virus specimen's exposure to temperature over time is critical to its lifetime, so the VST series includes a unique integrating indicator, the Timestrip VST TTI, which mirrors the accumulated time-temperature history of the virus specimen during transport and storage.
Virology specimen collection guidelines state that most viruses remain stable at 4°C for 2-3 days, so VST TTI is effective with a wide range of virus types.
Designed to meet specific regulations, the TTI label will indicate when 72 hours of chilled storage has elapsed by showing a clear visual discard window. At high temperatures, the label will show the discard indication within just a few hours.
Scientists and clinicians know that bacteria and viruses deteriorate much more quickly as temperatures increase, and also as exposure time increases. For example, at 50-55°C, coronavirus becomes non-infectious within just a few hours.
The VST range of indicators includes a product specifically for monitoring temperatures exceeding 53°C.
FDA and WHO regulations state that it is important to avoid freezing and thawing of specimens.
The Timestrip VST 0°C will reliably track a thawing event. If the ambient temperature rises above freezing, the indicator will show the cumulative period of thawing.
Timestrip VST Fridge Combi includes two indicators. One unique element indicates when a period of 72 hours has passed during chilled conditions (2-8°C), aligning with FDA / WHO regulations.
The other element provides a temperature breach indication, giving a clear signal when conditions have exceeded the regulated upper chilled limit of 8°C/46°F during storage or transport.
“As part of the fight against coronavirus, our new VST virus specimen transport range will help support scientists by monitoring specimens from collection right through to point of test, giving confidence in the integrity of the specimen, and thus the test results.
Nora Murphy, Commercial Director of Timestrip UK Ltd
These simple yet effective products provide a solution to a real problem in the storage and handling of virus specimens, including Covid-19. Medics and laboratory technicians can now have an explicit signal when specimens have breached the safe zone of thermal exposure and are invalid for testing.”
The VST is expected to be the first of many speciality ranges to be offered by Timestrip that provide practical solutions for pathology, microbiology, mycobacteria and other laboratory specimen handling, where temperature and time monitoring are required.
The new Virus Specimen Transport products are available now from Timestrip.
for release 11th June 2020
As part of the measures to control the spread of coronavirus, many organisations, from hospitals to care homes, are tightening up procedures that involve touching surfaces.
From hospital curtains to pharmaceutical carts to floors, sanitation protocols need strict adherence to prevent contamination more than ever.
In response to this risk, sanitisers and sterilization products such as wipes and solutions are increasingly being put to use. As far as current medical knowledge knows, the virus is very sensitive to the cleaning and disinfecting agents currently in use.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that ‘enveloped’ viruses such as COVID-19 are the easiest type to inactivate using disinfectants.1
A spokesperson for the American Hospital Association says that while frequent cleaning is standard, hospitals are giving special attention to "high-touch surfaces such as in-room phones, TV/nurse calls, light switches and cords, handles, drawer pulls, bed rails, tray tables and bathroom fixtures.”2
However, sterilizing solutions will only achieve maximum efficacy while still fresh. They must be used within a specified period after being opened and have a limited shelf life.
Timestrip time indicators can be a valuable part of the infection control processes here, and a range of standard products is available.
Timestrip Time indicators are a visual alert that a disinfectant is out of date
Timestrip has a wide range of time monitoring indicators for hospitals in stock for quick ordering and shipment.
For monitoring the shelf life of proprietary sterilisers, our stock 1 and 2 year Timestrip Time indicators are available.
Disinfectant solutions such as medical device sterilizers, dental disinfectants and hospital waterline disinfectants can have shorter shelf lives after preparation.
Timestrip Time 7 Day indicators are a stocked solution that has time markers for 1, 3 and 7 days.
Custom Healthcare Disinfectant Solutions
Timestrip custom solutions are available for specific time or temperature monitoring requirements. We design and manufacture solutions to suit your procedure, product or brand.
For stock (or custom) indicators, custom backing cards can be designed.
They can communicate to hospital workers on sanitisation procedures, give a place to securely attach indicators and and can be kept for validation of protocol.
Shorter time indicators monitor sterilization procedures with critical time components. For example, hospital grade disinfectants with a 1, 3, 5 or 10 minute wait time for max efficacy.
Custom designed time indicators can provide confirmation that an area has been adequately sterilized with markers for 3, 5 and 10 minutes.
Prepared solutions might have specialised shelf life monitoring times.
We can design a Time indicator with monitoring time from a few minutes to 2 years and even include multiple times within that range. Timestrip liquid-based and electronic indicators are ideal as cleaning reminders.
Contact us to get your hospital disinfection time monitoring solution today.
1 Infection Control Today "Surface Disinfection When Fighting COVID-19"
2 NPR "Ships, Planes And Other Spots Are Getting A 'Deep Clean.' What's That Mean?" link