Why Hospitals Use Data Loggers

By- Miruna

Digital data loggers are devices used to track and record various environmental conditions. They operate remotely and can be placed in settings that would be difficult or dangerous for a human to record the same kind of data. The portable design of data loggers makes them perfect for use in conditions that other instruments could not withstand. And once their data is retrieved, monitors can assess if measurements—of humidity, temperature, pressure, and other conditions—are staying within pre-determined ranges or deviating from them, which could potentially damage products or processes. Digital data loggers are an important tool used in various ways in hospital settings. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what a digital data logger is and how they are used in hospitals.

What Is A Data Logger?

A data logger, also known as a data recorder, is a portable electronic device that continuously measures various environmental conditions. It tracks temperature, humidity, pressure, or voltage through built-in sensors or external probes. The data recorded is stored on a micro compressor and can be downloaded later or transmitted in real-time to a computer or handheld device via Wi-Fi. Digital data loggers are equipped with an alert system—they'll send an alarm or an SMS message or email to alert human monitors to deviations from acceptable parameters.

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The primary role of a data recorder is to provide a means to track and verify that temperature, humidity, pressure, or voltage levels have remained within a certain range during the recording period. The data also shows when there's been a deviation of those levels and can assist in identifying potential issues where environmental conditions are a factor in the storage or manufacturing of various products. Here is a quick breakdown from Dickson if you were wondering "how do data loggers work?"

Why Hospitals Need Data Loggers

Hospitals rely on data loggers for a variety of reasons; here's a look at four of the critical ways in which they use data loggers:

1 – Protect Sensitive Assets

The most common use of digital data logging in a hospital is to monitor temperature levels in fridges and freezers that are used to store sensitive assets such as vaccines, tissue samples, blood, and organs for transplant. Because these items require storage at a cold temperature to ensure they are safe for use, a data recorder can monitor the conditions to ensure they stay within acceptable ranges. Before digital data loggers, these storage areas had to be monitored manually by humans. Not only were the temperature instruments not very accurate, but it was also unknown if the storage temperatures had remained within the required zone between readings. Data loggers provide continuous readings and alert personnel when the temperature gets too warm or too cold.

It tracks temperature, humidity, pressure, or voltage through built-in sensors or external probesUnsplash

2 – Regulate Sensitive Environments

Hospitals contain sensitive environments where conditions must remain at strictly regulated levels. This includes such places as operating theatres and cold rooms. A digital data logger tracks temperatures and humidity in an operating room to ensure that both the patient and operating staff are comfortable during a procedure. In cold rooms that are used to store medical supplies, a digital data logger can be used to alert staff after hours or on weekends if a door does not close properly or is left open, potentially threatening the integrity of the stored items. Also, if a system failure occurs, the data logger can send an alert to inform maintenance staff to correct the problem.

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3 – Follow Regulatory Protocols

Because hospitals require carefully monitored conditions, a digital data logger provides proof that all regulated protocols have been met and maintained. The data collected on a data logger can be downloaded and printed in charts or graphs showing an easy-to-understand visual representation of the data that has been recorded over time. Should the temperature, humidity, pressure, or voltage being monitored fall out of compliance, those instances will be easily identifiable and help ensure prompt correction.

4 – Maintain Public Trust

The use of data loggers in hospitals helps keep sensitive assets from spoiling in temperature-controlled settings. This ensures that pharmaceuticals are safe for distribution and that the general public can trust that those items that require proper storage received them. This is of particular importance for sensitive assets that are manufactured off-site and transported to hospitals. Digital data loggers are used to monitor environmental conditions in laboratories where the drugs and vaccines are created and then follow them on the cold chain to hospitals and pharmacies to ensure that these assets are safe and effective.

5 – Use in Medical Research

Data loggers that can measure and monitor pressure are used in medical research. An example of this would be to measure the force applied to an external brace on a broken limb like an arm or leg. The bending force would be slowly reduced as the broken bone heals and the measurements of the force reduction would be tracked by a digital data logger to ensure that the healing process goes according to the treatment plan. The data gathered helps monitor the progress, provide information that could alter the treatment plan, and record valuable information that could be used in future research.

Conclusion

Digital data loggers are essential devices. They are portable, battery-operated tools that use either built-in sensors or attached probes to monitor and track a variety of environmental conditions. In hospitals, data loggers are vital in ensuring that temperature and humidity levels do not deviate from set parameters in the storage of sensitive assets, and for keeping operating rooms comfortable when in use. Data loggers also watch for system failures or doors that do not close properly in cold rooms and can be used to assist in medical research. This form of new technology has had a positive impact on the healthcare industry and will continue to play a vital role in ensuring patient safety.

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