What to Do to Maintain the Efficiency of a Lab Incubator?

A lab incubator is a particular machine that provides ambient temperature inside a chamber for cell culture and other cultures. It is essential in biological and pharmaceutical science. Often scientists use the lab incubators to culture different cells, microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, etc. Incubators are also prominent in the case of stem cell culture.

A lab can use a CO₂ incubator or a regular incubator or a conventional incubator. The bacteriological and CO₂ incubators are quite expensive. Hence, the machine needs proper care to ensure it remains functional. Often incorrect method of operating decreases the lifespan of the incubator and you may need to replace the device too often. 

But, maintaining the machine can save from many hassles. If you continue the device properly, it will remain efficient and functional for a long time. Additionally, proper maintenance also keeps the machine in good condition, and it requires less repair.

Here is the comprehensive guide on what you need to do about keeping the Shel lab incubator in proper condition-

In general, a lab incubator is involved in four easy habits. That is,

●       Proper placement of the machine

●       Regularly monitor the temperature.

●       Monitor the environment condition

●       Regular cleaning

Proper placement of the machine

The placement of an incubator is essential. It keeps the machine in good health and also allows smooth operation. Here are some guidelines that you need to follow during the machine placement-

●        It should be placed away from doors, windows, and vents. These openings can often blow contaminants inside the incubator. It can increase the chances of fungal growth.

●       Make sure the machine has at least a three inches gap with the walls to allow it to work and regulate temperature.

●       Direct sunlight can increase the temperature range of the incubator. Hence, always place it away from direct sunlight.

●       The incubator should be placed on a stand to ensure it does not come in contact with humidity, damp, dust, or dirt.

Monitor the temperature regularly

In general, lab incubators have a temperature of 37 degree Celsius to allow the cells to get the proper environment to develop cultures. A little change in the temperature can even cause the culture to go wrong or maybe destroyed completely. If you do not want to ruin the culture, make sure to maintain the temperature of the incubator regularly.

Although lab incubators contain temperature sensors, using another thermometer is a great idea. It allows you to monitor the range precisely. You can easily use a calibrated thermometer inside its glass door to check if the machine is in the right temperature range.

If you want to keep the temperature fixed, it is better to stop improper handling of the machine. Try to use it only when you need it. Frequently opening the machine may cause the temperature to fluctuate.

      Always monitor the environment inside the temperature

If you want to get the best cell culture results, you need to maintain the quality environment inside the machine. The common environmental factors are the carbon dioxide level, oxygen level, and humidity. The cell culture samples are susceptible to all these environmental conditions and may react in the adverse way of the environment is not ideal.

For example, if the humidity level is below the average or required level, the culture media can evaporate, and the growth medium can become concentrated. Try to maintain the humidity of the machine near 95%. It is the ideal range. Always place a water tray under the culture sample to ensure the machine is humid in its model range.

If your lab has a carbon dioxide incubator, you need to maintain the CO₂ level. An ideal CO₂ incubator has 5% with constant pH level to allow the cells to develop. It is better to keep a close watch on the CO₂ meter. Additionally, check the sensor and try to maintain the gas level whenever the machine requires it. Furthermore, check the external gas analyzer to check the gas level inside the incubator.

       Regular cleaning

The Incubator needs regular cleaning and sanitizing to maintain its efficiency. If you leave any culture tray inside the machine for a long time, it may become contaminated, and the machine can also develop fungus. Som regularly clean it-

●       Use gloves to clean the machine and try to clean the humidity pan once a week.

●       The chamber, shelves, and any other parts can be cleaned three to four times a month.

●       If there is any old medium inside, check its condition and discard that if not needed.

●       Use the HEPA filter to filter inside the chamber.

You can follow the above guide to keep the lab incubator clean and in proper condition to ensure it works properly.

In case your lab requires a new incubator, you can check the official website of globallabsupply.com. It is a well-known lab equipment supplier that provides different types of lab equipment. For any queries related to lab equipment, you can contact us.