Traceable VWRI620-2426 Platinum RTD Precision Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer

Overview

The Traceable^® VWRI620-2426 Platinum RTD Precision Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer is an engineered solution for continuous, high-fidelity temperature monitoring in cold-chain-critical environments—including pharmaceutical refrigerators, ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers (−80 °C), cryogenic storage units, and food safety compliance zones. Built around a platinum resistance thermometer (Pt-RTD) sensing element conforming to IEC 60751 Class A tolerances, the system delivers metrologically robust measurements across four interchangeable probe configurations optimized for distinct thermal domains. Unlike thermistor- or thermocouple-based alternatives, this instrument leverages the inherent linearity, long-term stability, and repeatability of platinum RTDs—ensuring minimal drift over extended deployment cycles and compatibility with GLP/GMP validation requirements.

Key Features

• Triple-line LCD display showing real-time temperature, minimum recorded value, and maximum recorded value—simultaneously in either °C or °F, with user-selectable units.
• Latching SmartAlarm™ system: visual (flashing icon) and audible (85 dB at 10 cm) alert activates upon threshold breach and remains active until manually acknowledged—even after temperature returns to acceptable range—enabling unambiguous detection of transient excursions.
• Time/date stamping functionality logs timestamps for all min/max events, supporting audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 data integrity expectations.
• Four NIST-traceable probe options included or configurable: 37804-04 (−100 °C to +199.99 °C, 6.3″ stem) for ULT and autoclave applications; 37803-88 (−50 °C to +70 °C, immersion-style) for refrigerator compartments; 37804-03 and 37804-05 (both −100 °C to +70 °C, compact ¾” tip) for narrow-bore vial or rack monitoring.
• Each probe is calibrated at 2–4 defined points (e.g., −80 °C, 0 °C, 50 °C, 190 °C) in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory; full calibration report with uncertainty budgets and measurement traceability statements is supplied with the Traceable® Certificate.
• Robust stainless-steel probe housings (316 SS for 37804-series; 304 SS for 37803-88) ensure corrosion resistance in humid, saline, or decontamination-prone environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VWRI620-2426 supports direct contact measurement across diverse sample containment systems: glass vials, polypropylene cryotubes, stainless-steel dewars, insulated walk-in chambers, and commercial-grade refrigerated transport units. Its probe geometries accommodate standard rack footprints (e.g., 96-well formats), vertical freezer drawers, and door-mounted mounting brackets. The instrument meets essential regulatory alignment criteria for cold-chain validation, including ASTM E2810 (standard guide for qualification of temperature-controlled units), ISO 14644-3 (cleanroom environmental monitoring), and USP (good storage and distribution practices). All firmware and calibration documentation are structured to support IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and internal quality audits under ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 frameworks.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required—the VWRI620-2426 operates as a standalone, self-contained monitoring device. All min/max values with timestamps are retained in non-volatile memory and accessible via front-panel navigation. For integration into centralized environmental monitoring systems (EMS), optional analog output modules (0–5 V or 4–20 mA) can be added via accessory interface kits (sold separately), enabling connection to PLCs, SCADA platforms, or validated LIMS environments. Audit trails generated by the device satisfy ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) when exported manually via timestamped screen capture or integrated via compatible data acquisition gateways.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical cold chain: Monitoring stability chambers, vaccine refrigerators (2–8 °C), and −20 °C / −80 °C biobank freezers during storage and qualification studies.
• Clinical laboratories: Verifying temperature uniformity in specimen refrigerators, blood bank units, and reagent storage cabinets per CLIA and CAP requirements.
• Food safety QA/QC: Validating HACCP-critical control points in blast chillers, frozen food storage rooms, and retail display cases.
• Academic research: Long-duration thermal profiling in cryobiology experiments, material science low-temperature testing, and microbiological incubation validation.
• Manufacturing: In-process verification of thermal cycling ovens, environmental stress screening chambers, and cleanroom HVAC performance mapping.

FAQ

Is the Traceable® Certificate sufficient for ISO/IEC 17025 compliance in regulated labs?

Yes—the certificate includes full measurement uncertainty budgets, reference standard traceability paths to NIST SRMs, and accreditation details from an ILAC-MRA signatory laboratory.
Can the unit be recalibrated in-house?

No—recalibration requires return to an authorized Traceable service center or equivalent ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facility due to the precision RTD bridge circuitry and multi-point thermal bath validation protocol.
What is the battery life under continuous operation?

Typical runtime exceeds 12 months on two AA alkaline cells under normal use (display active, alarms infrequent); low-battery indicator appears 30 days prior to depletion.
Are the probes autoclavable?

Only the 37804-04 probe (stainless-steel sheath, IP67-rated) is rated for steam sterilization up to 134 °C; other probes are not designed for repeated autoclaving.
Does the device support external data logging?

Not natively—but analog output accessories (sold separately) enable connection to third-party dataloggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements.