Continuous monitoring of incubator and cryotank parameters

Abstract

Objectives 1. To continuously monitor temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in a CO2 incubator during daily use, and 2. To correlate temperature and weight of embryo storage dewars over time. Design Continuous monitoring in an embryology laboratory. Materials and Methods 1. HeraCell 150i temperature was set to 37.0°C, and CO2 to 6.5%. Humidity was generated passively using a water pan. Wired temperature, CO2 and humidity monitors were installed on the right side of the middle shelf. 2. LN2 levels were monitored daily in MVE cryotanks using a yardstick while dewar weights were monitored by wired probes placed on the outside of the dewars. Data was collected every 5 sec from the wired monitors over the course of several months. Data for all parameters was viewable on the website and could be printed and graphed for each parameter. Results 1. During working hours mean temperature was significantly lower compared to non-working hours (36.9 ± 0.19 °C vs. 37.1 ± 0.09°C; P Conclusions 1. Even a single opening of one of the three small doors in the incubator was sufficient to bring about a significant fluctuation in temperature, CO2 and humidity and none of the parameters stabilized to pre-opening levels throughout the day. These changes in incubator parameters may result in pH drift in media throughout an 8 hr period that may have significant consequences if incubators like these are being used for embryo culture for several days. 2. Remote cryotank weight monitoring can provide a second verification of tank status. Continuous measuring and data recording of incubator parameters and cryotank weight are crucial to fine-tuning service and security for IVF patients. Disclosures Probes and IOT devices provided by TekConscious. Funding None