In IVF (in vitro fertilization), an incubator protects and cultures an embryo, ideally until it can be transplanted, resulting in pregnancy. The oxygen levels in the incubator are crucial. Maintaining a reduced oxygen level within the embryonic incubator is vital for preserving the embryo. To lower the oxygen concentration in the incubator, a steady stream of nitrogen gas is injected into its atmosphere at a carefully monitored rate.
How Does a Nitrogen Generator Benefit IVF Incubators?
Having a nitrogen generator on-site is highly beneficial for facilities that manage embryonic incubators for IVF treatment. Because nitrogen generators consistently produce high-purity nitrogen from the surrounding air, there is little to no risk of the facility accidentally running out of nitrogen gas. Furthermore, since a constant stream of nitrogen is crucial during this stage of the IVF process, having an on-site nitrogen generator can give lab technicians, physicians, and patients peace of mind regarding incubator oxygen levels.
Why Nitrogen Gas?
In IVF, doctors and laboratory technicians strive to replicate the conditions of the fallopian tubes and uterus of a fertile female as closely as possible. Unlike the surrounding air we breathe daily, which consists of 20 percent oxygen, the conditions needed for thriving embryonic culture require only 5 percent oxygen. By introducing pure nitrogen into the incubators, they can maintain controlled oxygen levels without harming the sensitive embryo inside. The most effective way to achieve such specific O2 levels is to supply constant, monitored nitrogen to displace oxygen molecules and preserve the atmosphere.
Contact South-Tek Systems
South-Tek Systems is the leading designer and manufacturer of nitrogen generators, having collaborated with numerous lab and research facilities, including those that handle IVF incubators, such as MidAtlantic Diagnostics.
Nitrogen is a safe, inert gas with a wide variety of uses. In addition to its role in treating the atmosphere of cell incubators, other applications of nitrogen include atmospheric control in university and medical research labs, medical device packaging, food storage, and even chemical processing.