Cold Chain Storage of Vaccines: A Brief Introduction to Thermometry

Published

September 1, 2008

Author(s)

Dean C. Ripple

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) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

cold chain, freezer, ITS-90, refrigerator, storage, temperature, thermometer, traceability

Citation

Ripple, D. (2008), Cold Chain Storage of Vaccines: A Brief Introduction to Thermometry, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=832372 (Accessed October 12, 2025)