Use Case

Identifying cumulative heat exposure on individual vaccines

Temperature excursions in a healthcare setting and during transportation and logistics operations can cause vaccine degradation. Zebra solves this undetected heat exposure using the Zebra HEATmarker VVM to visually assess the temperature status and the Zebra CS60-HC to instantly log administration without manual data entry.

Two vaccine vials equipped with Temptime Heatmarker VVM (Vaccine Vial Monitor) temperature indicators, showing how the sensory indicators monitor heat exposure at the point of use to ensure vaccine efficacy.

Hidden heat exposure in last mile delivery

Heat sensitive vaccines degrade when exposed to temperatures outside their required range. Without vial level tracking, cumulative heat exposure during last mile delivery or power outages in clinics goes undetected. Clinicians face the critical task of verifying a vaccine has not degraded from heat exposure over its lifetime. They also must accurately log that verification into the Electronic Health Record prior to administration.

When temperature excursions go unnoticed, the negative consequences are severe. The patient is not adequately vaccinated to prevent the disease. The healthcare costs associated with managing the patient’s disease can be significant. Healthcare facilities face high costs from inventory paid for and used but is ineffective. Lost revenue and institutional credibility are all on the line. Furthermore, manually recording vial data creates operational bottlenecks that slow down patient care and increase the risk of administering ineffective vaccines, ultimately leading to significant patient safety concerns and customer dissatisfaction.

The undetected cumulative heat exposure solution

Zebra addresses undetected heat exposure by combining precise monitoring with instant data capture. The Zebra HEATmarker VVM and the Zebra CS60-HC scanners work seamlessly together to tackle this pervasive challenge. Clinicians can confidently verify vaccine potency at the point of care and streamline workflows from visual check to digital health record update. This method eliminates manual data entry errors and prevents the administration of degraded vaccines while prioritizing safe inventory.

Potential benefits

Implementing Zebra solutions transforms complex clinical challenges into highly measurable improvements. Healthcare facilities can eliminate data entry errors and streamline workflows while maintaining strict compliance with global health standards for vaccine monitoring.

Eliminated manual errors

reduces the administration of ineffective vaccines through precise digital tracking

Optimized vaccine inventory

allows healthcare workers to prioritize vials based on accurate exposure data

Seamless workflow integration

logs safe administration directly into the digital health record system

How the solution works

A healthcare professional using a Zebra CS60-HC companion scanner for pediatric patient bedside identification, ensuring patient safety and accurate medical care delivery.

Visual potency verification at the point of care

Zebra HEATmarker VVM provides a permanent color changing visual indicator on every single vial. This indicator tracks total cumulative heat exposure over time by aligning with the stability profile of the vaccine. It provides the most objective method to identify if a vial is safe to use. Frontline workers can easily prioritize using vials that have had some heat exposure but remain within safe limits before they expire.

Learn more about Zebra HEATmarker VVM

Instant digital logging of safe administration

Once the visual check is complete, the Zebra CS60-HC is utilized to scan the vial 2D barcode and the patient's wristband. This purpose-built healthcare scanner seamlessly captures vital data in an instant. It acts as the critical bridge to the hospital's Electronic Health Record system by logging a safe administration or recording the vial as waste. This robust hardware provides rapid and accurate data capture to eliminate manual entry errors. This scanner features an IP65-sealed, medical-grade plastic housing that allows safe disinfection with aggressive hospital cleaners. Its single-body design, gapless inductive touch buttons, and wireless charging system remove all physical crevices, preventing germs from harboring on the device.

Learn about CS60-HC

Improve patient safety and increase workflow efficiency

Investing in accurate monitoring and data capture mitigate financial losses from wasted inventory, ineffective patient vaccination, and the healthcare facilities reputation. Healthcare providers can deliver optimal patient care while significantly reducing operational bottlenecks and improving overall administrative compliance across the facility.

Let's discuss how Zebra's solution can work for you

Contact an Expert

Note:

Use case figures, savings estimates and images are illustrative only and may be derived from customer data, projections, or controlled testing. They do not represent guaranteed results, and actual outcomes will vary by application; customers should consult a Zebra sales representative to evaluate their specific environment.

Related use cases

Connect with Our Team

Contact Zebra

Find a Partner

Legal Terms of Use Privacy Policy Your Privacy Choices Supply Chain Transparency

The Zebra wordmark and logo are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Some content or images may have been created with the assistance of AI. ©2026 Zebra Technologies Corp. and/or its affiliates.

Contact Zebra