The University Medical Center Freiburg relies on one system to efficiently monitor multiple cooling applications
The University Children’s Hospital Freiburg has implemented a comprehensive monitoring solution with testo Saveris 1 that covers its full range of temperature-critical applications. The reference diagnostic laboratory for paediatric haematology and oncology is the primary user. It processes blood and bone marrow samples from across Germany and Europe, so a particularly reliable system is essential. The main challenge lies in the variety of refrigeration equipment from different manufacturers, ranging from 4 °C refrigerators to -196 °C nitrogen tanks, all of which are now centrally monitored. The system currently comprises 40 data loggers and 104 connected temperature probes.
A glance at the dashboard reveals: All temperatures are within the permissible range
Valuable blood and bone marrow samples from all over Europe are safely stored at the University Children’s Hospital Freiburg – ranging from 4 °C refrigerators to -196 °C nitrogen tanks. The monitoring system operates around the clock, ready to trigger an alarm at the slightest deviation.
The Freiburg laboratory team works with a wide range of refrigeration equipment and nitrogen tanks. Samples, medications, and media for diagnostics and research are stored in these, under strictly controlled conditions. In September 2024, the team relocated to a new building, where both new and existing equipment from various manufacturers is in operation, requiring a flexible monitoring system.
The regulatory requirements were considerable as well. The team uses a Testo thermometer, which is calibrated annually, to easily check all probes and ensure efficient accreditation processes.
Alarm system protects valuable samples
The primary requirement for the system was clear: absolute reliability in monitoring all temperature ranges. Based on positive prior experience at the University Medical Center Freiburg, the decision was made to choose testo Saveris 1.
Practical experience confirmed the choice: When a 4 °C refrigerator failed due to a circuit board defect, the warning came in time, allowing the team to take action and secure all samples.
The laboratory has developed a clear concept for alarm situations: It has defined product groups that require more frequent monitoring as soon as a warning is triggered. Additionally, the team has defined alarm groups that determine when immediate action is necessary. This could mean emptying a -80 °C freezer to prevent sample loss, for example.
Digital monitoring instead of paper logs
The team agrees: Their day-to-day work has improved significantly thanks to testo Saveris 1. The biggest advantage: Increased safety and time savings. Instead of spending valuable time on manual documentation, specialists can now focus on their core diagnostic tasks. Now, they only need a quick check of the system or emails to respond to alarms. Before the system was introduced, faulty equipment was often not detected until the next workday.
The testo Saveris Cockpit has proven particularly practical. It provides a visual overview of all data points and is customizable. The laboratory’s own images and plans are integrated, enabling the team to quickly navigate the system and immediately pinpoint alarms. Automated reports fulfil important regulatory requirements.
Monthly reports required by accreditation bodies can be generated at the push of a button. During audits, temperature trends can be presented, offering a significant advantage for quality assurance.
Expert care and guidance
In complex laboratory environments such as at the University Children’s Hospital Freiburg, the primary strength of testo Saveris 1 becomes apparent” explains Sebastian Rieß, Testo’s sales representative. “The system brings together lots of equipment from different manufacturers and with varying temperature ranges into one easy-to-use interface. Thanks to its modular design, it can be expanded step by step, which is exactly what the Children’s Hospital needs.”
Despite delays to the new build, implementation of the system went smoothly. Installation was quick and efficient. According to the laboratory team, communication with Testo was always reliable and a technician was on site when needed.
Future plans: A system that evolves with demand
The laboratory at the Children’s Hospital is already planning the next steps. Some capacity limits have been reached and new nitrogen tanks are expected to arrive soon. A notification module via SMS is also in the pipeline.
Overview of advantages
One solution for all devices: Manufacturer-independent monitoring for all refrigeration equipment
Complete documentation: Automated recording and archiving of all measurement data
Intelligent alarm management: Quick notification of critical deviations
Compliant logging: Audit-ready traceability in accordance with international standards
Scalable: Easily expandable for additional measuring points and locations
The laboratory at the University Children’s Hospital Freiburg
The Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology’s reference and diagnostic laboratory at the University Medical Center Freiburg is a centre of excellence for highly specialized molecular analyses. As a national reference laboratory for myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases, severe aplastic anaemia and Diamond-Blackfan anaemia, it performs cutting-edge diagnostic procedures, including whole exome sequencing, NGS panel testing and methylation analyses. Several B centres for rare diseases, such as the Center for Congenital and Acquired Blood Diseases and the Center for Vascular Anomalies, are integrated into the Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology. The laboratory is also part of the Hilda Biobank. The biobank ensures the quality-assured collection, processing, storage and provision of biosamples for medical research on childhood and adolescent diseases, with the aim of improving healthcare for children and young people.
The University Medical Center Freiburg
The University Medical Center is part of the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg and provides care for around 90,000 inpatients and 900,000 outpatients each year. It employs approximately 13,000 staff members in nursing, diagnostics, therapy, research and administration. For over 15 years, the Children’s Hospital has coordinated paediatric care across multiple specialized disciplines, working in close collaboration with research and clinical training.