Development of chemical strip (non-electronic) for identification of high temperature exposure in transportation of medicines/vaccines/FMCG goods, to ensure its usability
ABSTARCT :
Background: The transportation of temperature-sensitive goods is a critical aspect of supply chain management. Medicines, vaccines, and certain FMCG products require strict temperature control to maintain their efficacy and safety.
Description: Exposure to high temperatures can compromise these products, leading to potential health risks and financial losses. Traditional electronic temperature monitoring devices can be costly and may not be feasible for all types of shipments.
Expected Solution: Problem statement is to develop a cost-effective, non-electronic chemical strip that changes colour or exhibits a visible change when exposed to temperatures above a certain threshold. This strip should be easy to use, reliable, and capable of providing a clear indication of temperature breaches during transportation.
EXISTING SYSTEM :
There are a number of factors that impact how and when a product is monitored across the very complex pharmaceutical supply chain.
The situation is quite different for COVID-19 vaccines mainly due to the limited availability of stability data. In this sense, as it pertains to good cold chain management practices, the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is unique in a number of ways.
First, the process is largely controlled by the manufacturers. Many of the financial transactions are taking place between manufacturers and the destination country’s government. This uncharacteristically streamlined chain of custody simplifies the burden of ensuring product quality and patient safety.
Furthermore, the streamlined flow of goods helps to drive accountability, as well as visibility for ensuring product efficacy. The increased public visibility and new-found education and awareness about the importance of proper temperature control of COVID-19 vaccines has, no doubt, had a positive impact, helping to ensure that vaccines are not adulterated at any point along the cold chain
DISADVANTAGE :
Identify Temperature Thresholds:
Determine the critical temperature limits for the specific products (e.g., vaccines often require refrigeration).
select Chemical Indicators:
Choose chemicals that undergo a color change or other detectable alteration at specified temperatures. Common choices might include leuco dyes or thermochromic materials.
Packaging and Application:
Develop a method for integrating the strips into shipping containers or directly onto products.
Limited Temperature Range:
Chemical strips may only indicate exposure to specific temperature ranges, potentially missing critical variations in temperature.
PROPOSED SYSTEM :
At its core, the system includes a chemical indicator strip featuring carefully selected thermochromic materials that change color at predetermined temperature thresholds, providing immediate visual feedback.
The strips are affixed to a durable substrate that can withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring that they remain intact throughout transit. Clear visual communication is crucial; hence, the design incorporates an intuitive color change scheme accompanied by simple user instructions for easy interpretation.
Additionally, the system includes a calibration module to validate the accuracy of the indicators under real-world conditions, ensuring consistent performance. Packaging is optimized to protect the strips from humidity and light, while comprehensive documentation outlines usage guidelines and regulatory compliance.
ADVANTAGE :
Simplicity and Ease of Use:
Chemical strips are straightforward to use; they typically require no technical knowledge, allowing personnel to easily assess temperature exposure.
Cost-Effective:
Compared to electronic monitoring systems, chemical strips can be more affordable to produce and implement, making them accessible for various scales of operation.
No Power Requirements:
As non-electronic devices, chemical strips do not require batteries or power sources, making them ideal for remote or off-grid transportation settings.
Immediate Visual Feedback:
Users receive instant visual indicators (such as color changes) of temperature exposure, enabling quick decisions about product viability.
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