| Author(s): |
Dean C. Ripple; |
| Title: |
Cold Chain Storage of Vaccines: A Brief Introduction to Thermometry |
| Published: |
September 01, 2008 |
| Abstract: |
To maintain the efficacy of vaccines requires maintaining the storage temperature within well-defined limits; vaccine failure due to improper storage results in large direct and indirect public health costs. In this presentation, I give a brief introduction to thermometry and related techniques in measurement science. Topics covered include: a description of the measurement problem; an overview of sensor types; a description of what it means to have traceability to NIST; methods for measurement assurance; measurement uncertainty and error allowances; the difference between certification and calibration; and the proper use of thermometers. At the end of the talk, I give answers to a number of common questions regarding temperature measurements and traceability within the vaccine cold chain. |
| Citation: |
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - |
| Keywords: |
cold chain; freezer; ITS-90; refrigerator; storage; temperature; thermometer; traceability |
| Research Areas: |
Thermometry, Drugs/Pharmaceuticals |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (600KB) |
