Frozen Virus Specimen Shipments
detect thawing events of packed specimens in transport and storage

Timestrip VST 0°C
A smart label formulation which records if specimens have been thawed during or after transportation.
As part of the Virus Specimen Transport Range (VST), Timestrip has developed the VST 0°C to track frozen virology specimens and record if thawing has occurred.
Global regulations require the use of a temperature controlled transport system to transport specimens to the lab soon after collection or within 72 hrs / 3 days if placed in chilled conditions. Where there is likely to be a delay, it is advised to freeze specimens to -20°C or ideally -70°C , avoiding repeated freezing and thawing of specimens.
Timestrip VST for Frozen Storage
We developed the Timestrip VST O°C with guidance from published scientific data. It has been specifically formulated to provide a quality control resolution for proper transport and storage of frozen clinical viral specimens.
Timestrip VST O°C is a solution to track thaw events. If the freeze temperature rises above 0°C (+/- 1°C), the indicator will show the cumulative period of thawing, up to two hours.
The clear, irreversible indicator provides peace of mind that viral specimens are suitable for reliable testing.
Regulatory Guidance
World Health Organization regulations state that coronavirus specimens may be stored and transported at between 2-8°C for up to 72 hours after collection.
However, there can sometimes be a delay in specimens reaching the laboratory, and here the guidelines call for the specimens to be frozen to -20°C or ideally -70°C.
Additionally, according to WHO regulations: “It is important to avoid repeated freezing and thawing of specimens.”
Timestrip VST (Virus Specimen Transport) series has been specially formulated to provide an adequate quality control resolution for proper transport/storage of clinical viral specimens.
What makes Timestrip VST unique?
Timestrip VST O°C is a solution to track thaw events. If the freeze temperature rises above 0°C (+/- 1°C), the indicator will show the cumulative period of thawing, up to two hours.
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Individual test kit monitoring: The irreversible indicator can be attached to the specimen or added to the specimen’s box.
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Low cost and single use monitors, no extra disinfectant protocols or return shipping needed.
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Each indicator has a unique serial number for trackability.
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Irreversible Timestrip VST range can be read at a glance.
- When temperature breaches occur, the indicators will show on the run-out window the cumulative time period that specimens have been exposed to temperatures outside of advised temperature ranges.
- Clearly and easily inform healthcare professionals & lab specialists of the status of the specimen.
- Specially formulated to provide an adequate quality control resolution for proper transport/storage of clinical viral specimens.
- Clear Indication of frozen specimen quality
Timestrip VST Frozen Range
VST 0°C

- Temperature breach at 0°C / 32°F
- for specimen frozen storage / transport
- Up to 2 Hour temperature breach run out window
Order VST 0°C
How VST 0°C works
Timestrip VST indicators are inert until activation.
Squeeze • Peel • Adhere.
Firmly push down button to activate. A blue line will fill in the first window, alerting you that the activation was successful.
Breach Indication
If transport or storage temperatures breach 0°C the indication run-out window will begin to fill with blue.
If the window contains a colouration blue, the specimen has experienced a thaw event.
Specifications
Type | irreversible single use TTI |
Temperature accuracy | ± 1ºC |
Time Accuracy | ± 15 % in time under isothermal conditions |
Splash proof | Not suitable for immersion in water |
Activation Type | Inert until activated. Activation by button on top. |
Color of progressing front | Blue |
Storage Conditions | Store indoors, at room temperature up to 30°C |
Shelf Life | 2 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact us today to receive more information about Timestrip VST.