Portable gas analyser offers accurate and repeatable atmospheric readings of laboratory incubators

Within an embryology environment, it is essential that the laboratory incubators run at a consistent temperature, humidity and CO2 level to maintain optimum cell growth in embryo cultures and IVF. Whilst the incubators have a built-in system for monitoring CO2, even the highest quality of on-board instruments can sometimes drift out of calibration; this could be as a result of intense cleaning and maintenance regimes at high temperatures. 

Geotech’s G100 portable gas analyser is used to demonstrate accurate and repeatable CO2 readings of the atmosphere inside laboratory incubators. In just a few seconds users such as embryologists, lab technicians and scientists are able to take readings from multiple incubators, without fully opening the inner door and adversely affecting the environment. The G100 can quickly and accurately confirm the CO2, O2, humidity and temperature levels or distinguish whether a local calibration is required on the incubator. Monitoring can be carried out during day-to-day operation of the incubators by a lab technician or embryologist.

The G100 is also commonly used by incubator supplier technicians during servicing, maintenance and performance evaluation visits. Monitoring allows for validation of all incubators to ensure they are at an optimum for IVF. Using the G100, the user can fine-tine the variations in CO2 concentration, which can often be due to frequently opening and closing of incubator doors. 

User defined gas checks on incubators can be performed with the G100 to verify CO2 concentrations, and as the incubator CO2 concentration becomes consistent these gas checks may be performed less frequently. The data from the G100 can be recorded on spreadsheet, data logged or exported to Geotech’s download software which can be reviewed to check incubator performance or variations in readings over time.  If there was a requirement to repeatedly adjust the CO2 level it may indicate that there is a need for further investigation.

The G100 also has user-configurable alarms for setting trigger levels or breaches in CO2 and O2 expected levels. One UK embryologist found that he could confirm, using the G100, that the CO2 levels in his incubators were being held at very consistent levels, with readings varying no more than 0.1% either side of the target 6.0% CO2. He commented, "I find this G100 analyser invaluable in validation of my equipment for fertility. To get an accurate, reliable CO2 and temperature monitor is vital to us.  We regularly validate all our incubators to ensure they are at an optimum for IVF and that reflects well on our success results.”

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