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Humidified mini benchtop incubator
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Prevent vapor condensation and improve temperature and gas recovery.
Esco Mini MIRI Humidity Incubator
The Esco Mini MIRI Humidity Incubator is a high-performance benchtop system technically designed to support the growth of embryos by maintaining a humidified micro-environment. Unlike dry systems, this incubator incorporates a built-in humidification system that uses a water bottle to supply moisture to the chambers. This feature is technically critical for preventing the evaporation of culture media and the subsequent increase in osmolarity, which can be detrimental to embryonic development. The system features two completely independent chambers, allowing embryologists to manage patient samples separately.
Technically, the incubator is optimized for tri-gas management, providing precise control over both CO2 and O2 concentrations. By utilizing advanced infrared and chemical sensors, the unit ensures that the atmosphere remains within strict physiological limits. The rapid gas and temperature recovery times are central to its performance, protecting sensitive biological samples from environmental fluctuations during routine lab operations.
Integrated Humidification and Dehydration Prevention
The primary technical distinction of this incubator is its active humidification system. It utilizes a dedicated water bottle and a gas-flow-through system that picks up moisture before entering the chambers. This creates a high-humidity environment that is essential for "open-culture" protocols where droplets are not covered by oil, or to provide an extra layer of protection against media evaporation in traditional cultures. By maintaining high relative humidity, the system ensures that the osmolarity of the media remains stable.
Dual Independent Chamber Architecture
The incubator is built with two separate chambers, each with its own physical seal and control logic. This technical isolation means that each patient’s samples are kept in a dedicated micro-environment. When one chamber is opened for sampling, the sensors and heating elements in the second chamber remain unaffected. This minimizes the total time that embryos are exposed to environmental stress, significantly enhancing the overall stability of the culture conditions across a busy laboratory day.
Precision Temperature Control and Recovery
The Mini MIRI Humidity uses a direct heating system that warms both the chamber floor and the lid. Technically, this dual-heating approach prevents condensation on the lid, which could otherwise drip into the culture dishes. The system is engineered for rapid thermal recovery, bringing the temperature back to 37 C within minutes of closing the lid. This high thermal mass and precise regulation ensure that embryos are not subjected to prolonged sub-optimal temperatures.
Advanced Gas Sensors for Tri-Gas Control
To support the physiological requirements of human embryos, the incubator features high-accuracy sensors for CO2 and O2. The CO2 levels are monitored via an infrared (IR) sensor, which is immune to humidity interference. The oxygen levels are managed to maintain a hypoxic environment (typically 5 %), which reduces oxidative stress on the embryos. The technical integration of these sensors allows for real-time adjustments and ensures that the gas concentrations remain constant and accurate.
Dedicated Validation Ports for Quality Control
Each chamber is equipped with a dedicated validation port, providing a technical gateway for external monitoring. These ports allow embryologists to insert external temperature probes or gas sampling lines without opening the incubator lid. This is a critical feature for laboratory quality control (QC), enabling the independent verification of internal conditions to comply with international accreditation standards while maintaining the sterile, undisturbed environment required for growth.
Contamination Control and Cleanliness
The internal surfaces of the chambers are constructed from medical-grade materials that are designed for easy cleaning and decontamination. Because humidified environments can increase the risk of microbial growth, the technical design emphasizes smooth surfaces and a removable water bottle system for regular sterilization. This proactive approach to hygiene, combined with the chamber isolation, ensures a high level of protection against cross-contamination between different patient cycles.
Microprocessor Monitoring and Alarm Suites
A centralized microprocessor control system governs all incubator functions. It continuously monitors parameters such as gas flow, temperature, and water levels in the humidification system. Technically, the system features a comprehensive alarm suite that provides audible and visual alerts for any deviations. This provides an essential safety net for embryologists, ensuring that any mechanical or environmental failure is detected immediately before it can impact the viability of the embryos.
Compact Ergonomics and Lab Integration
The incubator’s technical layout is designed for space efficiency on the laboratory benchtop. Despite its dual-chamber capacity and humidification hardware, it maintains a small footprint. The ergonomic lids are designed for easy manual operation, and the intuitive digital display provides at-a-glance information for both chambers. This design allows for easy integration into various lab workflows and supports the stacking of units to increase incubation capacity without requiring additional floor space.
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