Category Archives: Cold Chain Pharma

Pharmaceuticals and the cold chain

Logistical Support Services vows loyalty to “superb” Ekeri trailers

Logistical Support Services, which provides highly secure logistics solutions for the defence and governmental sectors, says its new side-opening Ekeri trailers “tick all the right boxes – every single box”. 031114 - Logistical Support Services vows loyalty to superb Ekeri trailers (1)

Phil Stone, Managing Director at Logistical Support Services, says that in December 2009 the company bought two single side-loading box trailers that were fully ADR compliant, designed for the carriage of ADR Class 1 cargos.

Stone was so impressed with this first batch of trailers that six months ago the company purchased another two. This time Logistical Support Services opted for EX111 double side opening trailers that were not available in 2009.

“All our work is for the defence industry – so for any high-value, sensitive and ADR products these trailers are superb,” says Stone.

“They are a lovely cross between an easy-to-open curtainsider and a secure box trailer.”

031114 - Logistical Support Services vows loyalty to superb Ekeri trailers (2)Stone has been impressed by both the design and high-quality workmanship involved in producing an Ekeri trailer.

“When we ordered the first two they flew us out to Kokkola, Finland to visit the factory to see our trailers in the build process – personally I thought it was more like a Formula 1 factory than a trailer factory. It was very high-spec and totally professional as well.”

“I can’t express how impressed I’ve been with them. They are excellent products, built to the highest standards.”

Reliability and security are of the utmost importance to Logistical Support Services because of the nature of its logistics operations. Stone says that the trailers have remote central locking, alarms and GPS tracking devices. “From the security point of view, they are superb.”

Logistical Support Services would buy more Ekeri trailers in the future if they were needed.

“Hopefully yes, we will buy some more,” says Stone. “Let’s put it this way, I would not look to another manufacturer – I believe that other manufacturers have tried offering a similar product but the quality did not match up to Ekeri’s standards.”

Logistical Support Services was founded in 1997 with the sole intention of serving the military and defence industry markets, and from its humble beginnings it has grown into one of the market leaders in the supply and organisation of the specialist logistics field in the totally secure movement of sensitive defence assets throughout the UK, Europe and Scandinavia.

Operating out of the sole use site located on the outskirts of Bristol the company has a fleet of specialist vehicles built to the highest specifications required in order to transport these commodities on a daily basis and in the most secure manner, with Ekeri complementing these requirements.

ekeriEkeri is the leading producer of high quality box trailers and box bodies with side doors. Ekeri has grown steadily and its products are today used all over Europe. The company exports over 70% of its production.

 

Further Information:-
Contact – Bob Wise
Mobile: 07966 203640

M1 Marketing
39a Meneage Street
Helston
TR13 8RB
Tel: 01326 560400

Keeping Ireland’s Krone Trailers on the Move

This year saw the appointment of Fleet Solutions as Service Partner for Krone Trailers. Fleet Solutions MD and founder Brian Balfe explains what lies behind the operation.

820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (2) Fleet Solutions was established in 1984 and since then has expanded steadily into virtually every aspect of commercial trailer and truck service and support. Now, with over 50 employees, the Clondalkin- based company is renowned as one of Ireland’s foremost trailer service and maintenance specialists.

For Krone Trailers this was an important factor and necessary to provide a premier support service for its fast-expanding customer base in Ireland.

“The partnership is a natural one” says Brian Balfe. The Krone trailer is a top-end product with a no-nonsense specification. Good quality equipment and used by discerning operators throughout Europe. Similarly, Fleet Solutions has a reputation for expert technical back up with modern processes designed to meet the needs of today’s increasingly sophisticated transport and logistics operators”

Sophisticated is certainly one way to describe the way things are done at Fleet Solutions: Brian Balfe explains:

“Many years ago we introduced modern procedures which, using an end-to-end mapping process, enables us to tightly control every job, from the moment it is booked in until the vehicle or trailer is returned to the customer.

820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (3)“This way, we can ensure consistently high quality and efficiency each time a job is raised. For example, our bespoke-designed administration and mapping system automatically processes each step of every job using a modular process which embraces: booking in, quotation, warranty clearance, parts provision, customer acceptance, production/engineering, quality control, and invoicing. Furthermore,” adds Brian, “our system recognises every previous job, which enables us to quickly inform the customer regarding exact costs and time frames to carry out the work required”

But it’s not all about sophisticated mapping systems. Fleet Solutions’ success also lies in the expertise and experience of its highly trained technicians, who apply their skills across a wide range of services. Brian Balfe again:

“All of our workshop technicians are fully trained and many are specialist in particular areas. Although we are best known for trailer service and refurbishments, we also provide truck maintenance, body shop facilities, tail-lift maintenance, vehicle livery and bespoke curtain manufacturing. And, as an official RSA (Vosa-equivalent) testing station, we of course need to ensure that all workshop employees are kept up to date with the latest regulations and working practices”

One-stop Service Solutions.

Providing a cross section of commercial vehicle services all ‘under one roof’ enables Fleet Solutions to deal with every fleet requirement – from the smallest owner driver one-off jobs, to regular maintenance and repair schedules for the largest tractor and trailer fleets. Leading brands including Krone, Schmitz Cargobull, Jost, BPW, ROR and Meritor are fully supported and operators the length and breadth of Ireland can rely on round-the-clock service and roadside recovery if required.

820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (1)In brief, the operation comprises a 6 bay trailer repair workshop and 6 bay commercial vehicle repair centre; on-site LCV, HCV and CVR testing centre; NSAI-licensed tachograph, speed limiter and plating facility; tail lift inspection; 3,000 sq.m. parts and components centre; curtain manufacturing facility; shot-blast, painting and refurbishment; mobile service and breakdown vans; fleet scheduling, reporting and budget planning.

For Krone Trailer and all other trailer operators, Fleet Solutions provide a state-of-the-art trailer workshop which employs a ‘pit-stop’ philosophy to ensure fast turn-round and cost effective maintenance and repairs:

  • 20ft pit bay for full inspections
  • Dedicated ABS & EBS diagnostics bay
  • All 6 bays equipped with specially designed trailer lifts and stands
  • Retractable airlines and air points at front and rear of each bay
  • Three phase and one phase wiring to each bay
  • High quality equipment and tools
  • In-depth code of practice and procedures adhering to the highest Health & Safety standards

Commercial Vehicle Testing Centre

Fleet Solutions’ commercial vehicle test centre is licensed and regulated by the RSA. “We are also a member of the Vehicle Testing Network, “adds Brian. “ Unlike the National Car Test (NCT), it is mandatory for commercial vehicles to be tested annually. There are two classifications of vehicles: light goods vehicles – up to and including 3500Kgs gross vehicle weight and heavy goods vehicles -above 3500Kgs gross vehicle weight. Given the already diverse nature of our service, it was a natural fit to open the test centre and I’m pleased to say we have been very busy since it opened in 2009”.

The sum of the (trailer) parts

Fleet Solutions is a leading supplier of commercial vehicle spare parts and body components for Jost, Meritor, BPW,SAF, Granning, Wabco, Haldex, Knorr-Bremse, Jonesco and Featherwing. A stock of Krone Trailers’ ‘fast-moving’ parts is kept on site and if any major components should be required then they are despatched from Krone’s central parts depot on a next day basis.

“All-in-all” concludes Brian Balfe, “Fleet Solutions are here to keep Ireland’s commercial transport on the move and of course that includes the increasing number of trailers carrying the Krone badge. No matter whether we are talking curtainsiders, reefers, box vans or skellies, our trailer service is geared to meet and exceed the daily demands of operators across the transport industry”

Contact:

Fleet Solutions
Unit 4D
Besser Drive
Clondalkin Industrial Estate
Clondalkin
Dublin 22
IRELAND

Further Information:

KRONE TRAILERS UKKrone
Peckfield Business Park
Phoenix Avenue
Micklefield
Leeds
LS25 4DY

Tel: +44 (0) 1132 878817
Fax: +44 (0) 1132 878819
E-Mail: trailers@krone-uk.com
Web: www.krone-trailer.com

Harrison Solway take ‘fast- track’ Krone Trailers

Harrison Solway take ‘fast- track’ Krone Trailers as pallet numbers rise

Harrison Solway, the Hull based distribution and warehousing specialists have recently expanded their trailer fleet with the addition of six Profi Liner curtainsiders from Krone, which, says the company are needed to keep up with the continuing increase in pallet movements for their customers throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

A founder mKroneember of Pallet Track, the UK’s fastest growing pallet network, Harrison Solway is now in its 15th year and says the company is growing all the time. Much of the work is for a national supplier of modular bathrooms, although virtually all types of palletised cargo can be handled by Harrison Solway’s nationwide distribution fleet and 120k sq. ft. of secure warehousing. The company can store and control up to 10,000 pallets at any given time.

“We have built our operation on sound practice and reliability. It’s what our customers and the industry expect.” says Director Lee Solway, “Key to this is having the flexibility to handle a cross-section of customer requirements with speed and efficiency, while ensuring maximum safety and load security at all times. We can accommodate customers with as few as 5 or as many as 1,500 pallets per week, but whatever the throughput , the level of service must remain the same. ”

To this end, Harrison Solway required a curtainsider which enabled them to load through the roof from either end of the trailer as well as through the rear and sides, using forklifts or cranes according to the product. Furthermore, the company required additi831114 Harrison Solway take 'fast-track' Krone Trailers -Paul Harrison left, Lee Solway right.onal internal loading height, multiple strapping points for load security and the facility to strap from inside the curtain when it is closed. The objective being to increase load safety, add flexibility and speed up turnaround times.

“Initially, we hired a Profi Liner to test things out and after three months we were convinced that this was the way to go.” adds Lee Solway, “The advantages over a conventional curtainsider are numerous.” Krone’s Multi Lock strapping system is, according to Lee Solway, an outstanding feature which keeps every load ‘safe and secure’. The sliding roof meanwhile, adds a further advantage by opening from both ends.

“Our policy is to keep in tune with new systems and technology.”  continues Lee, “This is important, not just to remain ahead of the competition but to ensure we deliver the very best service to our diverse client base. For example, the systems we use to support our ‘Just-in-time’ delivery network include: – end-to-end traceability (real time, track and trace); specialist consolidation; contract packing and stock auditing. Moreover, our vehicle fleet is equipped with satellite tracking and in-cab communications to ensure tight control and fast response whenever it’s needed.”

831114 Harrison Solway take 'fast-track' Krone Trailers as pallet numbers rise (1)“Our trailers too, need to fit this policy and Krone was certainly more than able to match up to all our safety and loading requirements. During initial consultations, Krone worked closely with us and provided in-depth advice, which enabled us to reach our optimum specification. Also worthy of note is the fact that we only had to wait 6 weeks for delivery. Fast- track by any standards.”

Further Information:                                                                           

KRONE TRAILERS UK

Peckfield Business Park
Phoenix Avenue
Micklefield
Leeds
LS25 4DY

Tel: +44 (0) 1132 878817
Fax: +44 (0) 1132 878819

E-Mail: trailers@krone-uk.com

Web: www.krone-trailer.com

New Loading Docks Boost Pallet Capacity for Buffaload

Buffaload Logistics has opened a new 6-bay cross-docking facility at its 16 acre Huntingdon headquarters which, says the company, will increase capacity by up to 50% and provide a permanent ‘buffer’ for peak seasonal demands.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADesigned to accommodate Buffaload’s unique high capacity double deck temperature controlled trailers, the chilled facility will take in trunked loads from various suppliers during the afternoon and then cross-dock via specific customer-designated lanes for consolidation and onward movement to various retailer RDCs throughout the night.

“This impressive new chilled pallet handling facility” says Sales Director Graham Usher, “complements our existing cross-docking operations and gives us the capacity to cope with any level of demand. We currently operate 65 double deck reefers, each of which can carry up to 44 pallets at up to 1.85m in height and at 60% greater capacity than a conventional 13.6m trailer, that adds up to a significant pallet throughput  every night”.

Buffload As a further part of the company’s ongoing growth programme and due to come on stream during next year and 2016, Buffaload expects to open a  7,500 sq. metre temperature-controlled warehouse and 6 bay workshop  at the Huntingdon site. Buffaload will also be taking delivery of additional double deck trailers during 2014.

Buffaload offers the following services:-

  • Temperature Controlled Transportation
  • Ambient, Chilled and Frozen storage
  • Rental of Double Deck Trailers
  • Rental of Urban Multi temp trailers
  • Temperature Controlled Consolidation with cross dock loading
  • Storage and Distribution of High Value and Perishable Goods
  • Double Deck loading bay modifications
  • Double deck serving and & repairs
  • Trailer servicing and repairs
  • Fridge repairs
  • Emergency Courier Logistics
  • Loading Dock modification to accommodate double deck trailer

Buffaload Logistics

Grove Lane

Ellington

Cambridgeshire

PE28 0AA

Tel: 08700 343343

Email: info@buffaload.co.uk

Web: www.buffaload.co.uk

Buffaload Logistics Appoints National Transport Manager

Brian Lafferty joins the ‘More Load – Less Cost’ logistics experts

With responsibility for the company’s 65 double deck reefers and 35 Urban & 13.6m trailer fleet, tractor units and courier express vehicles Brian Lafferty joins Buffaload Logistics as the Cambridgeshire based family-owned company is poised to double in size over the next four years.

National Transport Manager

Brian Lafferty – National Transport Manager

Brian brings a wealth of transport and logistics ‘know-how’ built up over a long and successful career in the wider transport industry. From driver to transport management, spanning numerous commercial transport businesses, he has gained a detailed knowledge of compliance management, driver training and road traffic expertise. Brian has also spent a number of years as a traffic examiner with VOSA and more recently has managed his own transport consultancy – all skills which will come to the fore as he takes responsibility for the broad scope of Buffaload’s diverse national operation.

“This company sets itself apart because of its high standards, skill base and ability to prescribe cost effective transport and handling solutions to a cross section of businesses in the cold chain”, says Brian. “Our mission is to build on these attributes, whilst keeping a close eye on regulatory issues and all round best-practice.”

Further information for editors:

Buffaload offers the following services:-

  • Temperature Controlled Transportation
  • Ambient, Chilled and Frozen storage
  • Rental of Double Deck Trailers
  • Rental of Urban Multi temp trailers
  • Temperature Controlled Consolidation with cross dock loading
  • Storage and Distribution of High Value and Perishable Goods
  • Double Deck loading bay modifications
  • Double deck serving and & repairs
  • Trailer servicing and repairs
  • Fridge repairs
  • Emergency Courier Logistics
  • Loading Dock modification to accommodate double deck trailer

Tel: 08700 343343

Email: info@buffaload.co.uk

Web: www.buffaload.co.uk

Keeping Ireland’s Krone Trailers on the Move

This year saw the appointment of Fleet Solutions as Service Partner for Krone Trailers. Fleet Solutions MD and founder Brian Balfe explains what lies behind the operation.

Fleet Solutions was established in 1984 and since then has expanded steadily into virtually every aspect of commercial trailer and truck service and support. Now, with over 50 employees, the Clondalkin- based company is renowned as one of Ireland’s foremost trailer service and maintenance specialists.

For Krone Trailers this was an important factor and necessary to provide a premier support service for its fast-expanding customer base in Ireland.

“The partnership is a natural one” says Brian Balfe. The Krone trailer is a top-end product with a no-nonsense specification. Good quality equipment and used by discerning operators throughout Europe. Similarly, Fleet Solutions has a reputation for expert technical back up with modern processes designed to meet the needs of today’s increasingly sophisticated transport and logistics operators”

Sophisticated is certainly one way to describe the way things are done at Fleet Solutions: Brian Balfe explains:

“Many years ago we introduced modern procedures which, using an end-to-end mapping process, enables us to tightly control every job, from the moment it is booked in until the vehicle or trailer is returned to the customer.820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (3)

“This way, we can ensure consistently high quality and efficiency each time a job is raised. For example, our bespoke-designed administration and mapping system automatically processes each step of every job using a modular process which embraces: booking in, quotation, warranty clearance, parts provision, customer acceptance, production/engineering, quality control, and invoicing. Furthermore,” adds Brian, “our system recognises every previous job, which enables us to quickly inform the customer regarding exact costs and time frames to carry out the work required”

But it’s not all about sophisticated mapping systems. Fleet Solutions’ success also lies in the expertise and experience of its highly trained technicians, who apply their skills across a wide range of services. Brian Balfe again:

“All of our workshop technicians are fully trained and many are specialist in particular areas. Although we are best known for trailer service and refurbishments, we also provide truck maintenance, body shop facilities, tail-lift maintenance, vehicle livery and bespoke curtain manufacturing. And, as an official RSA (Vosa-equivalent) testing station, we of course need to ensure that all workshop employees are kept up to date with the latest regulations and working practices”820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (2)

One-stop Service Solutions.

Providing a  cross section of  commercial vehicle services all ‘under one roof’ enables Fleet Solutions to deal with every fleet requirement – from the smallest owner driver one-off jobs, to regular maintenance and repair schedules for the largest tractor and trailer fleets. Leading brands including Krone, Schmitz Cargobull, Jost, BPW, ROR and Meritor are fully supported and operators the length and breadth of Ireland  can rely on round-the-clock service and roadside recovery if required.

In brief, the operation comprises a  6 bay trailer repair workshop and 6 bay commercial vehicle repair centre; on-site LCV, HCV and CVR testing centre; NSAI-licensed tachograph, speed limiter and plating facility; tail lift inspection; 3,000 sq.m. parts and components centre; curtain manufacturing facility; shot-blast, painting  and  refurbishment; mobile service and breakdown vans; fleet scheduling, reporting and budget planning.

For Krone Trailer and all other trailer operators, Fleet Solutions provide a state-of-the-art trailer workshop which employs a ‘pit-stop’ philosophy to ensure fast turn-round and cost effective maintenance and repairs:

  • 20ft pit bay for full inspections
  • Dedicated ABS & EBS diagnostics bay
  • All 6 bays equipped with specially designed trailer lifts and stands
  • Retractable airlines and air points at front and rear of each bay
  • Three phase and one phase wiring to each bay
  • High quality equipment and tools
  • In-depth code of practice and procedures adhering to the highest Health & Safety standards

Commercial Vehicle Testing Centre

Fleet Solutions’ commercial vehicle test centre is licensed and regulated by the RSA.

“We are also a member of the Vehicle Testing Network, “adds Brian. “ Unlike the National Car Test (NCT), it is mandatory for commercial vehicles to be tested annually. There are two classifications of vehicles: light goods vehicles – up to and including 3500Kgs gross vehicle weight and heavy goods vehicles -above 3500Kgs gross vehicle weight. Given the already diverse nature of our service, it was a natural fit to open the test centre and I’m pleased to say we have been very busy since it opened in 2009”.

The sum of the (trailer) parts

Fleet Solutions is a l820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (1)eading supplier of commercial vehicle spare parts and body components for Jost, Meritor, BPW,SAF, Granning, Wabco, Haldex, Knorr-Bremse, Jonesco and Featherwing. A stock of Krone Trailers’ ‘fast-moving’ parts is kept on site and if any major components should be required then they are despatched from Krone’s central parts depot on a next day basis.
“All-in-all” concludes Brian Balfe, “Fleet Solutions are here to keep Ireland’s commercial transport on the move and of course that includes the increasing number
of trailers carrying the Krone badge. No matter whether we are talking curtainsiders, reefers, box vans or skellies, our trailer service is geared to meet and exceed the daily demands of operators across the transport industry”

Tel: +44 (0) 1132 878817, Fax: +44 (0) 1132 878819

trailers@krone-uk.com

www.krone-trailer.com

ALLpaQ gets air cargo bioprocess container off the ground

ALLpaQ Packaging Ltd has launched a new product designed to optimise the air transportation of biopharmaceutical media held under temperature controlled conditions in the Envirotainer RAP e2 container.

AllpaQ (Genesis Air Labels).aiThe unit, aptly named ALLpaQ AIR, parachutes directly into the company’s flagship range of foldable and stackable Genesis bioprocess shipping containers.

ALLpaQ managing director, Phill Allen, said the product came in response to “ever increasing demand” to ship biopharmaceutical media held in environmental control via air cargo.

“AIR marks a sea-change in the way pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies ship products,” explained Mr Allen from ALLpaQ’s headquarters in Lincolnshire, UK.

“AIR, as with its Genesis counterparts, has been modified to optimise space during shipment. This makes the unit the most cost-effective solution of its type when it comes to air cargo with or without environmental control.

Mr Allen said companies with large volume media shipping requirements between 500-650 litres would reap “strong” economic benefits.

“AIR also opens the door to a new management option in logistics which may have previously been cost prohibitive to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries,” he added.

Getting ALLpaQ Air-borne

ALLpaQ AIR was born out of a need expressed by a client in the healthcare sector to ship 600+ litres of biopharma media between mainland Europe and the USA.

ALLpaQ’s business development manager, Nick Montgomery, explained: “Our standard Genesis volumetric capacity in excess of 500 litres, which is based upon the standard 1155 mm x 1155 mm footprint, is already designed to optimise space in sea cargo containers.”

“Even so, dimensionally the client was restricted to transporting a maximum of two units per Envirotainer RAP e2 container. AIR means four units can now be held within each RAP e2 container, optimising the journey.”

With spare capacity in each environmental chamber, ALLpaQ embarked on a bioprocess containment modification project.

Key objectives included:

  • A modified footprint to double the number of bioprocess containers per Envirotainer RAP e2 container per shipment
  • Strategic planning to maintain the volumetric capacity
  • Testing to ensure the strength and integrity of the container remained fit for purpose

Mr Montgomery added: “Collaboration was also necessary with the incumbent supplier of bioprocess container consumables. This resulted in the development of a new liner which corresponded perfectly to new internal dimensions of ALLpaQ AIR.”

ALLpaQ calculates that AIR will generate savings of circa €1 million in transportation costs to the client over the lifecycle of the project.

For more information, please visit www.allpaq.com

Press enquiries:

Name: Phill Allen
Position: Director of ALLpaQ
Email: phill.allen@allpaq.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1472 800 373

https://plus.google.com/u/0/113699817493891968571/posts

Helapet Pre-filled Syringe Transporters

Helapet are pleased to introduce the rigid Syringe Transporter, ideal for the safe site transportation of hazardous drugs and other medical solutions in pre-filled syringes. The Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG) thermoplastic housing, provides effective protection against impacts, whilst accommodating heat sealing as a measure of tamper evidence.

ST1005_1

Providing effective containment against potential syringe discharge, Helapet Syringe Transporters can accommodate 1ml to 5ml, and 30ml to 50ml syringes. Supporting infection prevention and cross contamination measures, the Helapet Syringe Transporter is a welcomed addition our range of clinical transportation devices.

Features

  • A rigid PETG Thermoplastic Housing that can accommodate tamper evident closure
  • Improved protection of pre-filled syringes during cold chain and site transit
  • Effective containment of hazardous solutions during possible accidental
  • discharge.
  • Sterile and non-sterile options available based on client preference

Helapet specification table

Read more about Helapet Syringe Transporters

Helapet Limited, Lister House, Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, LU5 5BQ, England, UK

Tel: 0800 0 328 428 • Tel: +44 (0)1582 501 980 • Fax: +44 (0)1582 501 981

E-mail: sales@helapet.co.uk

Timestrip to demonstrate Blood Temperature Indicator at the AABB Expo

If you are attending the Annual Meeting of the AABB – the CTTXPO in Denver, Colorado, starting Monday October 14th, we look forward to seeing you. We’ll be on booth 1654 with our partners Shockwatch, demonstrating our latest product innovation – the Blood Temp 10 indicator label.

We also have a speaker slot at the show, starting at 1.30pm on Monday 14th, where we will be presenting a  case study highlighting how temperature indicators not only help identify potentially heat damaged blood but also assist with identifying critical control points within your blood reissue compliance cycle (BRCC).

Timestrip Blood Temp 10

A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Pathology found that temperature sensitive labels for monitoring blood can help hospitals and blood banks conform to the American Association of Blood Banks and US Food and Drug Administration standards for safe human blood transportation and storage.

While many front-line teams rely on the “30 minute rule” for returning blood back into storage, using a temperature sensitive label ( blood temperature indicator ) can increase the safety of the blood life cycle, while reducing wastage.

They found:

“…these devices offer transfusion services an opportunity to develop and validate their own in-house procedures to supplement and, thereby, improve on decisions using the 30-minute rule. For example, if a unit of RBCs were overheated by placement on a hot surface (eg, microwave heater, radiator, or the top of a refrigerator) but returned within 30 minutes to the transfusion service, its potential unsuitability would not be identified by a transfusion service relying only on the 30-minute rule. However, such a potentially unsuitable unit would be likely to be recognized if a temperature-sensitive label had been in place. 

Also, procedures can be developed to use temperature-sensitive labels to avoid unnecessary and costly discards of blood components when storage for more than 30 minutes outside a temperature-monitored refrigerator raises questions about suitability.”

The adoption of our simple to use technology as a vital element of the BRCC compliant process will help deliver new levels of accountability across the RBC temperature management teams.  Front line teams know the value of clear, simple communication. Add in the fail-safe component of the Blood Temp 10 and the simplicity of use (including no additional pre-conditioning or expensive associated consumables) and they can see the real value of our technology.

In support of our latest technology we’re also presenting a paper on best practices for keep your blood supply safe in our Learning Lab, entitled “Before Good Blood Goes Bad.”

According to the WHO around 107 million blood donations are collected globally every year and it is generally accepted that 2% of blood may be discarded.  The use of suitable equipment and good management of blood cold chain are important means of minimizing losses and donated blood.

Visitors to our booth will be able to see the extent of savings achievable through the adoption of the Blood Temp 10 indicator label with our interactive Cost Calculator.

We invite you to join us and the ShockWatch team in Colorado next month and look forward to meeting members of the AABB.

Released by Timestrip 30/09/2013 http://www.timestrip.com/

blood temperature indicator

Blood Temp 10 at the AABB annual meeting & CTTXPO in Denver, Colorado

Come see the Shockwatch Blood Temp 10 in action at the AABB annual meeting and CTTXPO in Denver, Colorado Monday, Oct. 14th, 1:30 pm booth 1654.  You can also hear about best practices keep your blood supply safe in our Learning Lab “Before Good Blood Goes Bad.”

Presentation overview:Timestrip Blood Temp 10

Heating, freezing and thawing all affect the viability of blood and blood products and components. Temperature monitoring is a vital step in maintaining the safety of the world’s blood supply, ensuring that blood already known to be safe, remains safe.

A case study will be shared during the presentation to show how temperature indicators not only help identify potentially heat damaged blood but also assist with identifying critical control points within your blood logistics cycle.

According to the WHO around 107 million blood donations are collected globally every year and it is generally accepted that 2% of blood may be discarded.  The use of suitable equipment and good management of blood cold chain are important means of minimizing losses and donated blood.

A lack of product data leads to an unpredictable blood cold chain, which will create an environment of guesswork, assumptions and inaccurate predictions when it comes time to make blood safety and cost-recovery related decisions.

The lack of accurate data due to a poorly designed temperature tracking system will force the disposal of unadulterated blood and create financial loss.  These results are very expensive consequences that can be overcome with the implementation of the Blood Temp 10.  Developing a system of bag level temperature monitoring will deliver the results required to effectively build and maintain predictable cold chain management, allow for a greater level of cost recovery and drive awareness throughout the blood cold chain.

Bacterial contamination of blood components is the most frequently reported cause of transfusion-related fatalities.  BT10 ensures that bacteria growth due to elevated temperatures has not compromised blood during storage, transportation and distribution     

Increase patient safety by confirming blood product is kept within the required conditions.  If unsafe temperature conditions occur the BT10 will give you an assurance to know that you’ve captured those issues prior to introducing unsafe blood to a patient.

Mainlining temperature control during storage and shipment is of extreme importance in order to uphold high standards of regulatory compliance.  There are many variables that will negatively affect the safety of your blood supply.  Blood Temp 10 will provide auditable proof that each individual blood bag has been maintained according to relevant regulations.

We invite you to learn more – leave us your contact information and we will schedule a time for you to come visit the booth for a live demonstration.