DataNet Network for Taiwanese Government Monitored Umbilical Cord Blood Lab
The DataNet system application is an umbilical cord laboratory where cord blood stem cell research is carried out and cord blood is stored. The Taiwanese government requires daily reports on the laboratory's deep cold refrigerators and room humidity and temperature environment status. To meet the government requirements they needed a computerized solution that could measure and produce printed reports via the lab computer system. The lab decided that the DataNet solution features were most appropriate in helping them respond to Ministry of Health's strict regulations.
Umbilical cord blood is considered a key resource in stem cell research. Until recently umbilical cord blood was considered medical waste to be disposed of after the birth of a newborn, however today medical perceptions have dramatically changed. Today umbilical cord blood and the plentiful cryopreservation of the stem cells found in the cord blood are considered life saving. Umbilical cord blood is a 100 percent biological match to the newborn. Commonly the blood is now used in stem research and stored in specialized cord blood banks. These specimens perform two potentially valuable functions. They can help future patients in need of stem cell transplants or act as a private source for the newborn child and their family.
A simple network has been applied and utilizes five DNL920 loggers, one DNL910 and one Receiver. The external PT100 temperature sensor measures room temperature and the internal RH sensor monitors humidity inside the laboratory. Additional sensors including thermocouple temperature sensors, with a range as low as -80º C, are used to monitor the temperature in the laboratory's refrigerators. According to governmental stipulations they apply a sampling rate of one per minute and daily reports are then printed and submitted to the Taiwanese Health Ministry.
As a safety procedure for night emergencies, lab technicians have applied on two of the loggers inputs for an emergency On/Off switch. When the switch is hit in an emergency situation this changes the resistance, crossing the alarm state threshold. Using the GSM modem feature emergency SMS messages could be sent to the manager on call. Units are connected to a secured (UPS) AC source at all times.
Additionally the system leverages the new SRR short range repeater mode which overcomes RF transmission hurdles in the network and ensures a stronger and more flexible system.
Institute of Medical Genetics Select fourtec Wireless Solution to Help Meet ISO Working Standards - Wireless Solution
Francisco Laranjeira is the Superior Technician for Heath and Geneticist at the Genetic Unit in the Institute of Medical Genetics in Portugal. He is also a member of the Institute Committee for equipment, materials and re-agents. During an interview with fourtec he describes the complex genetic laboratory working environment that relies on the fourtec wireless system monitoring.
The main products that must be monitored are biological samples from patients both in storage at at +4ºC, -20ºC and -70ºC and processing - cell culture. The system is also used to monitor reagents storage conditions. We have established the fourtec system now across four main laboratories that research and work with chromosomal analysis; muscular genetic diseases and Fragile X syndrome; the study of inborn errors of the cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolism; and finally the Enzimology laboratory - geared towards the study of inborn errors of lysosomal and peroxisomal metabolism. Currently we are using 25 fourtec data loggers in the system, but we intend to add a substantial number. The ease of expansion of the system was a leading reason we chose the system.
To accurately and securely monitor storage conditions of the biological samples and critical products used in laboratory analysis was already a challenge and a delicate procedure. However, not only did the Institute have to ensure that materials were kept to optimal conditions, but they faced a new challenge when increased efforts had to made to improve the quality of the procedures to meet the demands of the certification under NP EN ISO 9001:2000 and NP EN ISO 14001:2004. These are the ISO regulations adapted to the European Union (EN) and Portuguese (NP) regulations. They indicate specific guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing, having a great impact on laboratory research and development and the pharmaceutical industry.
The Institute needed a monitoring system which could allow online data collection and provide prompt information about abnormal situations through a series of automated alarms. The fourtec RF system was selected because of the following leading benefits: Wireless technology; lower cost of installation, flexibility and the greater possibility for future development.
Today, there are technicians in every lab responsible for data collection and analysis and they have found the systems reliable and easy-to-use. Beyond acknowledgment and correction of abnormal situations, the data must be shown to the certification entities as evidence of good laboratory practice and fulfilment of the authorities' demands - in this case the historical representation of past data in a clear presentation has proved ideal. The data is analysed regularly and the graphical view is printed monthly. The evidence is provided to the certification entity who check the Institute on an annual basis.
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