A lab temperature sensor converts thermal energy into an electrical signal that can be measured and recorded.
Common sensor technologies are resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors, and thermocouples. Each technology has trade-offs in accuracy, range, stability, and cost, so selection depends on your application requirements.
Key outcomes when you choose well:
When evaluating sensors, focus on these attributes. They determine measurement fitness and long-term operational cost.
How quickly the probe equilibrates with the sample. Fast response is vital for small-volume samples and transient events.
Probe type affects placement and sample disturbance (immersion, surface, insertion, microprobes).
Probe wetted materials should resist corrosion and be compatible with solvents, acids, or biological samples.
Availability of calibration certificates, programmable offsets, and traceable standards matters for audits.
Options include wired outputs, USB, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and dedicated wireless data loggers. Consider cloud data access and audit capabilities.
For regulated environments, look for encrypted data, audit trails, user authentication, and validation protocols.
Choose the probe geometry that suits your sample volume, environment, and insertion method.
Designed for liquids; longer shafts for deep vessels and sealed stems for sterile environments. Use when monitoring baths, beakers, or culture media.
Rigid tips for puncturing solids or large-volume containers (e.g., food or tissue samples). Useful for core temperature measurements.
Flat or angled tips for measuring solid-surface temperature like plates, incubator shelves, or freeze-dryer trays. Use thermal paste or adhesive for better thermal contact when needed.
Slim, short probes for low-volume wells and microplates; minimize sample displacement and thermal load.
Ultra-small tips for rapid response and minimal sample perturbation in sensitive assays.
Consider probe materials: stainless steel is common for general lab use; Hastelloy or specially coated tips improve corrosion resistance in aggressive chemistries.
Match technology to accuracy, range, and budget needs.
Your monitoring strategy affects sensor choice and workflow.
Wired sensors are simple and reliable for single-point monitoring. Wireless sensors offer remote monitoring, less cabling, and easier deployments across multiple locations.
Built-in loggers store local measurements; cloud-capable systems enable centralized dashboards and alerts.
Check compatibility with laboratory information systems (LIMS), building management systems (BMS), and data analysis tools.
For wireless sensors, plan maintenance intervals based on battery life and expected data transmission frequency.
For regulated environments, prefer systems that produce tamper-evident logs and export audit-ready reports.
Calibration and validation protect data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Calibrate against traceable standards at frequencies based on use, accuracy needs, and regulatory demands. Common calibration points are 0 °C (ice point), 25 °C (ambient), and a point near expected operating temperature.
Maintain documented protocols that describe installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ). Ensure sensors and data systems produce validation artifacts: certificates, logs, and audit trails.
Perform periodic zero checks, visual inspections for probe damage, and functional tests after sterilization cycles. Replace probes showing drift, corrosion, or physical damage to avoid compromising results.
Create a calibration schedule and retain records for audits. Where possible, use sensors that support on-site or automated calibration procedures.
Before purchasing, confirm the following:
Use this checklist during demos and procurement to compare models objectively.
High-accuracy wireless loggers or RTD probes with validated workflows and audit trails.
Microprobes or microplate-compatible sensors with fast response and minimal thermal disturbance.
Flexible probe types depending on immersion vs surface needs; prioritize repeatability.
Rugged, portable sensors that balance ease of use with sufficient accuracy for instructional labs.
Frequency depends on use and regulations; common intervals are quarterly or semi-annually, with more frequent checks for critical processes.
Many pharma applications require ±0.1 °C to ±0.2 °C; confirm specific requirements in regulatory guidance and protocols.
Wired is simple and low-maintenance; wireless offers scalability and remote alerts. Choose based on facility layout and monitoring needs.
Choose RTDs for high accuracy and stability in narrow ranges; thermocouples for extreme ranges and ruggedness.
Choosing the right lab temperature sensor reduces risk, saves time during validation, and improves the reproducibility of your work. Use the checklist above to narrow options quickly, then validate performance in your specific workflows before final procurement.
West Coast, US
800 Airport Blvd
Burlingame, CA 94010
East Coast, US
501 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139
Japan
1 Chome-17-1 Toranomon, 16th Floor
Minato City, Tokyo 105-6415
