Planer benchtop incubator BT37The ultimate cell culture environment

The Planer benchtop incubator is primarily designed to grow and maintain cell cultures, particularly for IVF applications. The incubator will keep cells at an optimal temperature, humidity and gas content by maintaining a constant and clean environment for the embryo. The most common parameters for human IVF work are 37°C, 5% CO2 in air and near 100% relative humidity.

Incubators are temporary homes for embryos and must replicate the conditions within the human body thus reducing embryonic stress from temperature, humidity or pH change.

Accuracy and control of the chamber to obtain environmental homeostasis is imperative. The Planer benchtop incubator is the most accurate of its kind ensuring the embryo suffers little or no exposure to temperature or ph level changes.

The compact size allows placement anywhere in the lab including flow cabinets and chambers and separation of patient by chamber increasing security. Flow control is unique with continuous, pulse and bleed options all available to optimise culture conditions and reduce gas usage.

• Accurate temperature

• Battery backup

• Accepts wide selection of culture dishes

• Built in 2-line display

• Network ready

• Accurate temperature and humidified-gas controlled environment in a small benchtop device

• Includes inbuilt battery backup for up to 2 hours.

• Accepts largest selection of culture dishes available.

• All critical operating parameters are password protected to prevent accidental or unauthorised modification

• Easy to use 2 line display with an intuitive 3 button user interface.

• Set-points for each chamber can be set independently

• Network ready to allow continuous monitoring

• Clear, unambiguous status indicators visible from across the lab.

Unrivalled accuracy

Temperature map of incubator plate inside culture dish area showing variations of less than 0.3 degrees over the whole plate temperature whilst providing stable temperatures within +/- 0.2°C at dish area. This, coupled with heated upper plates and humidification system, provides unrivalled temperature accuracy within sample dishes.

Planer benchtop incubator BT37The ultimate cell culture environmentSystem specificationsPhysicalDimensions 420 mm wide x 270 mm deep x 210 mm high

Weight 15.5 kg

Storage temperature -10 °C to +50 °C

Storage humidity 5% to 95% relative humidity non-condensing

Operating environment For indoor use only

Operating temperature +5 °C to +40 °C for safe operation. See also temperature control range restriction.

Operating humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity non-condensing

Altitude up to 2000 m

Pollution degree Pollution degree 2 (BS EN61010-1)

ControlTemperature control range (ambient + 5 °C) to 40 °C.

Temperature measurement accuracy ± 0.2 °C

Temperature control accuracy ± 0.1 °C measured after any transient effects due to set-point changes have subsided.

Flow control range 0 ml/minute to 900 ml/minute. Flow measurements are normalised to 0 C , 50% RH and 1 bar.

Flow accuracy The greater of ± 10% or ± 0.3 ml/minute

Flow control accuracy The greater of ± 5% or ± 0.2 ml/minute measured after any transient effects due to set-point changes have subsided.

CapacityDishes per chamber 4 x NUNC 4 well dishes

4 x NUNC 60 mm dishes 10 x NUNC 30 mm dishes 4 x MINITUB 5 well dishes 4 x FALCON 60 mm dishes 4 x FALCON 60mm single - well “organ culture” dishes

PowerPower requirements (see note) Includes Controller

100 - 230 V~ / 50/60Hz / 1.1 A

Internal battery backup Gelled sealed lead acid battery / 12 v x 12 Ah

Gas supplyGas supply Premixed gas. Typically 6% CO2, 5% O2, balance N2

Supply pressure 1.5 ± 0.15 bar

Connectors SWAGELOK 1/4” tube fitting

AlarmsAlarms The incubator provides 3 volt-free terminals which provide normally-open

and normally-closed contacts.

Remote monitoringLAN 10 Base T Ethernet - RJ45 shielded. Modbus-TCP-IP protocol.

Remote PT100 sensors PT100 Class A to EN60751. In order to fit the monitoring ports the sensor must meet the following specification: Maximum diameter 2.51 mm. Minimum length 100 mm. Sensing region should be within 15 mm of the tip.

Planer plc, Windmill Road, Sunbury, Middlesex, TW16 7HD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44(0)1932 755000 Fax: +44(0)1932 755001 email: sales@planer.co.uk website: www.planer.com

Planer reserves the right to change specifications without notice. All third party trademarks acknowledged. © 2009 Planer plc

BT-37 Background Paper

Incubator Product Comparisons

The Planer BT37 c.f. New Brunswick Galaxy IncubatorsEven in the “baby Galaxy” model 14S incubators the incubation chamber volume is more than an order of magnitude greater than a benchtop incubator, and hence the incubator still suffers from many of the issues that plague all big-box incubators:● A large “dead-space” internal volume.● Dish heating primarily via conduction through the gaseous phase, and only secondarily via direct thermal transfer from a heated mass of metal.● CO2 (and O2) controllers that:

a) slow recovery of the desired gas phase composition after opening;b) require regular (re-)calibration; andc) necessitate regular QC of the gas phase composition.

● An inherent risk of contamination via the humidification system.

The Planer BT37 c.f. the Cook MINCThe newer technology BT37 has several innovative features and improvements over the Cook MINC:● A 2-hr built-in backup battery in case of AC power failure and to ensure smooth operation during changeover to generator emergency power.● Ports for installing external temperature probes for independent monitoring of incubator chambers (and lids) temperatures (i.e. not just reliance upon logging of the incubator’s own internal sensor data).● User-changeable gas flow control (via the BT37 Toolbox PC interface).● A window to see the water level in the humidification flask (with backlight).● Better design features to reduce the risk of kinking of the internal gas supply lines as well as reduce the risk of condensation forming in the internal gas lines.● A wider range of culture dish compatibilities.● More options for connection to an external alarm system.

The Planer BT37 c.f. the K-Systems G185● The G185 has no built-in battery backup power.● Although the G185 has an integral gas mixer, unlike using pre-mixed gas this still necessitates the regular performance of QC testing of the gas mixture, as well as regular servicing of these extra control systems.● The G185 has no provision for easy installation of external temperature probes for independent monitoring of the incubator chambers’ temperatures.● With the G185 there is no possibility of humidification of the incubation atmosphere, and hence no option for oil-free culture.● The G185’s gas lines are integral, so if there were to ever be any contamination (e.g. Aspergillus) it would be very difficult to eradicate.● While the G185 has a higher capacity (20 dishes in 10 chambers, c.f. 8 dishes in 2 chambers), if a unit were to go non-operational then a lab would lose a larger proportion of its culture capacity; a major issue for small- and medium-sized

laboratories.

The Planer BT37 c.f. the Labotect C-Top● The BT37 has several innovative features over the C-Top:

● A 2-hr built-in backup battery in case of AC power failure and to ensure smooth operation during changeover to generator emergency power.

● Ports for installing external temperature probes for independent monitoring of incubator chambers (and lids) temperatures (i.e. not just reliance upon logging of the incubator’s own internal sensor data).

● User-changeable gas flow control (via the BT37 Toolbox PC interface).● To check the water level in the C-Top, the incubation chamber lids must be opened.● The block of porous rock that sits in the water reservoir inside each incubation chamber and aids evaporation of the water is a novel innovation. However, there are no data available on the risk of contamination building up inside this porous rock; while it can be heat-sterilized, might there be a risk of breakdown products from organic material (VOCs) coming out of the stone block subsequently during embryo culture?● A wider range of culture dish compatibilities.

BT-37 Background Paper

Benchtops versus “Big-Box” Incubators

Benchtop incubators embody the following features inherent in their design:

1 Better temperature re-equilibration because the base of the culture dish is in

direct contact with a large mass of warm metal; this actively-heated large

thermal mass can transfer sufficient heat to re-equilibrate several dishes

without falling below the target temperature (e.g. 37°C). Traditional “big-

box” incubators rely primarily on transferring heat from the warm

atmosphere inside the incubator since there is an insulating air gap between

the dish base and the metal shelf – which is relatively thin with holes for air

circulation.

2 Constant gas composition since it is supplied from cylinders of pre-mixed gas

of specified, and QC-assayed, composition. The purge feature , whereby

several incubation chambers “dead space” equivalent of gas is flushed

through the chambers after closing the lid to replace the air that filled the

chamber after opening its lid, achieves the fastest possible recovery time of

the intended culture atmosphere. Also, because there are no gas controllers

(e.g. for CO2 or O2) to worry about there is no need for regular independent

measurements of the incubator’s internal atmosphere composition, or for

QC checking of the incubator’s CO2 and O2 calibration.

● The Planer BT37 (like the Cook MINC) uses a disposable humidification set (water

bottle & tubing), including a 0.22 µm filter on the gas inlet, to reduce the risk of

contamination (e.g. Aspergillus) inside the incubator.

● A VOC filter can be placed in the pre-mixed gas supply line / manifold to prevent

the accumulation of VOCs from the ambient room air inside the incubator.

● All the above features lead to there being a negligible effect of opening the

incubation chamber upon the physico-chemical characteristics of the incubator’s

internal environment, resulting in a remarkably more stable culture environment

than can be achieved using “big-box” incubators,

● Benchtop incubators are far easier to clean / sanitize.

● Benchtop incubators consume substantially less electrical power

● Benchtop incubators are cheaper to run than tri-gas big-box incubators

● The ease of achieving low pO2 culture in benchtop incubators (c.f. tri-gas big-box

incubators) leads to better quality embryos.

● Almost every IVF laboratory that has switched from big-box CO2-in-air incubators

to benchtops has seen significant increases in implantation rates, by up to a

doubling, and hence in pregnancy rates.

BT- 37 Background Paper

Notes on using the BT 37 Incubator

BT37: Installation● The installation process is very simple:

● Unpack the unit.● Clean and sanitize the incubation chambers (no issue with

eliminating VOCs from the chambers after cleaning because they are simple metal surfaces).

● Turn the unit on; it will heat up in X minutes (c.f. the 72 hrs recommended for traditional water-jacketed incubators).

● Install the disposable humidification set (bottle and tubing).● Open and close the chamber lids and the system will purge the

air from the incubation chambers.● The unit is ready to go! (Although a full charge of the backup

battery will take XX hours from flat.)● Proper operation of the system (“installation qualification”) can be achieved by inserting independent temperature probes into the ports pre-drilled in the incubation chamber bases and lids at each side of the incubator.● The BT37 will not “scram” during operation due to power fluctuations as emergency generator power kicks in because its internal battery acts as a power line conditioner, as well as providing 2 hours of emergency backup power.● Users can adjust the operating parameters of the unit via the BT37 Toolbox PC interface.

BT37: Gas RequirementsPre-mixed gas of appropriate composition for the culture medium being used, whether ambient or reduced pO2 is required, and the altitude of the location of the laboratory.● Each culture medium requires a specific pCO2 to equilibrate the concentration of bicarbonate ions it contains and to achieve the manufacturer’s intended pH (with adequate equilibration time).

Notes:1) The pCO2, once known and expressed in mm Hg, should be maintained regardless of the ambient atmospheric pressure. The pCO2 is adjusted for altitude above sea level and expressed as a particular %CO2: e.g. 5.8% v/v CO2 at sea level (760 mm Hg) equates to 44 mm Hg, and hence at an altitude of 1000 m where the typical atmospheric pressure is 679 mm Hg, a pCO2 of 44 mm Hg will require 6.5% CO2 by volume.

2) Atmospheric pressure varies according to the weather, but no-one adjusts incubator CO2 to accommodate these variations – it’s just impractical. Hence a culture medium will often be imperfectly equilibrated, and its pH might fluctuate accordingly (although medium pH is not solely dependent on the bicarbonte:CO2 system).● Reduced pO2 culture – important to reduce the oxidative stress to which embryos are exposed in culture – is easy, and without the need for

huge volume of nitrogen (and the associated cost!) necessary to dilute the ambient air pO2 as in a tri-gas big-box incubator.

BT37: Gas Consumption● Pre-mixed gas gives huge operating cost savings compared to traditional tri-gas big-box incubators. Dr Klaus Wiemer reported that the cost of pre-mixed gas for one benchtop incubator was USD $1250 less per year than the CO2 and N2 required for one tri-gas incubator.● Under typical operating conditions, a small IVF lab performing 250 OPU cycles per year in 2 benchtop Cook MINC incubators will use X “K” size (ca. 146 cm H × 23 cm diameter; 8000 litres) cylinders of pre-mixed gas per Y weeks.● The gas flow control of the BT37 can be adjusted by the user (via the BT37 Toolbox OC interface), allowing the possible use of intermittent gas flow, which would further reduce gas costs. (Not possible with either the Cook MINC or Labotect C-Top benchtop incubators.)

BT37: Condensation● Careful adjustment of the offsets between the humidification bottle and incubation chamber temperatures reduces the likelihood of condensation forming in the tubing of the internal gas lines.● The “fish” block of the BT37 that sits over the humidification bottle is designed to help maintain the proper temperature of the gas lines and further reduce the risk on condensation forming. This block also reduces the risk of the tubing becoming kinked (which will stop the gas flow).● The Perspex cover for the humidification compartment (patent pending) further reduces the risk of condensation due to cooling of the tubing when the humidification compartment lid is opened.

Note: The BT37 must be located appropriately, i.e. away from cool drafts emanating from an air-conditioner unit.

BT37: Humidification Set Usage● The humidification set is disposable to minimize the risk of contamination building up in the water and tubing lines.● The bottle & tubing set assembly must be handled carefully when being installed to reduce the risk of operator hand-borne bacteria on the tubing lines, especially those sections that reside inside the incubation chambers.

***Video of installing a humidification set on the Planer website?● Add sterile water to the humidification bottle as required, the level can be observed from outside the humidification compartment through a window located in the front panel of the incubator (with a green backlight).● The bottle can be re-filled for longer operating life, although it is still recommended that a normal operating life for a humidification set is adopted and adhered to by each laboratory (e.g. 4 weeks or 1 calendar month).

Logging Data and Independent Monitoring of Incubator Operation● It is easy to log internal operating data from the BT37 via the industry-standard ModBus interface through a global-standard RJ45 Ethernet connector.● Alternatively, the BT37 can be connected to a more sophisticated software system, e.g. DataLater or Assure24seven.● An essential component of any modern IVF laboratory quality management system is the routine independent monitoring of equipment operation (“operational qualification”), ideally using a real-time networked system (e.g. Assure24seven). This require the ability attach external temperature probes to a benchtop incubator, so that operating temperature can be measured independently of the incubator’s internal functions. This vital feature is inherent in the design of the BT37, making it unique among IVF benchtop incubators.

FeatureCook K-MINC

(series 2)Planer BT37

Compact bench-top design: W x D x H (lids closed) 405 x 265 x 190 mm 420 x 270 x 210 mm Height with lid open 315 mm 410 mm Weight 11 kg (24.3 lb) 15.5kg

Operating power supply100–240V, 50–60 Hz

100–240V, 50–60 Hz

Low power consumption (reduced load for UPS or emergency power systems) 120 VA ?Standard IEC detachable power cable Y YBuilt-in 2 hr battery backup in case of mains power supply failure N YMedical device classification Class I ? Class II aCan be connected to an industry-standard Ethernet network N YSystem parameters can be adjusted via any Windows-based PC using "Toolbox" software N YFalcon 35 mm Petri dish (maximum capacity = 20) Y YFalcon 60 mm Petri dish (maximum capacity = 8) Y YFalcon #1006 "ICSI" 60 mm Petri dish (maximum capacity = 8) N YNunc 35 mm Petri dish (maximum capacity = 20) Y YNunc 60 mm Petri dish (maximum capacity = 8) Y YNunc 4-well square plate (maximum capacity = 8) Y YMinitüb 5-well square plate (maximum capacity = 8) N YSunIVFGPS (EGPS5010) N YOperating environment temperature range +18°C to +32°C +5°C to +35°CDishes heated by direct thermal transfer from actively heated metal block Y YActively heated lids to prevent condensation inside culture dish lids Y YIncubation temperature range +35°C to +40°C Ambient +5°C to +35°CTemperature accuracy (at calibration point) ±0.2°C ±0.1°CUses pre-mixed gas, eliminating the need for CO2 and O2 sensors and controllers (and user-monitoring) Y Y

Gas connection via industry-standard Swagelok® (¼") connectors Y Y

Inlet gas pressure150 kPa ±15 kPa (1.5 bar, 22 psi)

150 kPa ±15 kPa (1.5 bar, 22 psi)

Incubators can be linked in series Y YInternal, user-replaceable, disposable 0.22 µm filter Y YDisposable humidification bottle and tubing set Y YDirect heating system for downstream humidification tubing to reduce condensation in tubing N YViewing window with internal illumination to see bubbling of gas in humidification bottle N YAutomatic purge after opening & closing a chmaber Y YContinuous slow flow of gas Y YOption for user-adjustment of gas flow rates, times and periodicity, including intermittent flow N YIntegral audible and visual alarms when error conditions occur Y YAlarm connection: normally open circuit Y YAlarm connection: normally closed circuit N YReal-time data monioring via proprietary interface Y YReal-time data monioring via industry-standard "Modbus" interface N YProvision for external temperature sensors for independent monitoring see note 1 YNote 1: MINC now has a USB connector for…?

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If you use petri dishes in an incubator and want to improve your results, then the Planer BT37 could be what you need!

Below is a graph of fertilisation rates of embryos in a Planer BT37 compared with a very popular 150 litre CO2 and O2 controlled

incubator. - Highly accurate temperature

- Humidified-gas (optional) controlledenvironment in a small benchtop device

- Takes premixed gas or a gas mixer

- Fast recovery times for temperature and gas

- Built in battery backup which lasts up to 2

hours

- Accepts largest selection of culture dishesavailable.

- All critical operating parameters are passwordprotected to prevent accidental orunauthorised modification

- Easy to use 2 line display with an intuitive 3button user interface.

- Set-points for each chamber can be setindependently

- Network ready to allow continuous monitoring

Please contact us for pricing and more information!

Best regards, Planer plchttp://www.planer.comsales@planer.co.uk

Planer plc Windmill Road Sunbury Middlesex TW16 7HD United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)1932 755 000 Fax +44 (0)1932 755 001 email: Sales@planer.co.uk website: www.planer.com

Benchtop Incubator

Incubators

Cook vs Planer Benchtop Incubator

Holds 5 Well Dishes from MiniTube

Clear, unambiguous status indicators visible from across the lab.

Inbuilt battery backup for more than 30 minutes

Inbuilt water level indicator

Password protected for all changes

Independent PRT ports for lid and base unit

Links to Planer’s Assure24seven range of products

Cook Planer

BT37 Benchtop IncubatorProvisional specification sheet.

The BT37 has been designed as a bench-top incubator for use in cell culture. The unit provides an accurate temperature and humidified-gas controlled environment in a small benchtop device minimising the impact on small laboratories.

Premixed gas is supplied to the two chambers via a preheated humidification bottle.

The BT37 incorporates an easy to use 2 line display with an intuitive 3 button user interface. The set-points for each chamber can be set independently.

All critical operating parameters are password protected to prevent accidental or unauthorised modification.

The status of each chamber is clearly indicted by large coloured indicators on the front of the unit. These allow the operation of each unit to be checked at a glance from across the laboratory.

To ensure continued operation in the event of a mains failure, the BT37 includes inbuilt battery backup for up to 2 hours.

The unit is network ready and can be connected to your local area network to allow continuous monitoring via Planer's comprehensive Assure24seven control and monitoring applications.

Features• Accurate temperature and humidified-gas controlled environment.

• Clear, unambiguous status indicators visible from across the lab.

• Inbuilt battery backup for up to 2 hours.

• Password protection to prevent accidental modification of critical parameters.

• Compact size occupying minimal bench space.

• Ready for continuous monitoring across the network.

Specifications may change without notice

System specifications

Physical

Dimensions 420 mm wide x 270 mm deep x 210 mm high

Weight 15.5 kg

Storage temperature -10 °C to +50 °C

Storage humidity 5% to 95% relative humidity non-condensing

Operating environment For indoor use only

Operating temperature +5 °C to +40 °C for safe operationSee also temperature control range restriction.

Operating humidity 5% to 90% relative humidity non-condensing

Altitude up to 2000 m

Pollution degree Pollution degree 2 (BS EN61010-1)

Control

Temperature control range (ambient + 5 °C) to 40 °C.

Temperature measurement accuracy ± 0.2 °C

Temperature control accuracy ± 0.1 °C measured after any transient effects due to set-point changes have subsided.

Flow control range 0 ml/minute to 900 mL/minuteFlow measurements are normalised to 0 C , 50% RH and 1 bar.

Flow accuracy The greater of ± 10% or ± 0.3 ml/minute

Flow control accuracy The greater of ± 5% or ± 0.2 ml/minute measured after any transient effects due to set-point changes have subsided.

Capacity

Dishes per chamber 4 x NUNC 4 well dishes,4 x NUNC 60 mm dishes10 x NUNC 30 mm dishes4 x MINITUB 5 well dishes4 x FALCON 60 mm dishes4 x FALCON 60mm single -well "organ culture" dishes

Power

Power requirements (see note) Includes Controller

100 - 230 V~50/60Hz1.1 A

Internal battery backup Gelled sealed lead acid battery12 v x 12 Ah

Gas supply

Gas supply Premixed gas. Typically 6% CO2, 5% O2, balance N2

Supply pressure 1.5 ± 0.15 bar

Connectors SWAGELOK 1/4" tube fitting

Alarms

Alarms The incubator provides 3 volt-free terminals which provide normally-open and normally-closed contacts.

Remote monitoring

LAN 10 Base T Ethernet - RJ45 shielded. Modbus-TCP-IP protocol.

Remote PT100 sensors PT100 Class A to EN60751. In order to fit the monitoring ports the sensor must meet the following specification:Maximum diameter 2.51 mm.Minimum length 100 mm.Sensing region should be within 15 mm of the tip.

Specifications may change without notice

Planer plc Windmill Road Sunbury Middlesex TW16 7HD United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)1932 755 000 Fax +44 (0)1932 755 001 email: Sales@planer.co.uk website: www.planer.com

Benchtop Incubator

Incubators

Cook vs Planer Benchtop Incubator

Holds 5 Well Dishes from MiniTube

Clear, unambiguous status indicators visible from across the lab.

Inbuilt battery backup for more than 30 minutes

Inbuilt water level indicator

Password protected for all changes

Independent PRT ports for lid and base unit

Links to Planer’s Assure24seven range of products

Cook Planer

Planer BT37 (Triple Gas 5%CO2, 5% O2, N2) incubator vs Standard CO2 incubator (5%, air)

Study to compare the fertilisation rate of mouse embryo's cultured using different incubators

Date Strain Genetic Background

Fertilisation Rate -

Planer (% 2 cells)

Fertilisation Rate –

Standard (% 2 cell) Thawed/fresh

18/10/2010 Strain 1 C57BL/6J 11 0 Thawed

Strain 2 C57BL/6J 23 3.4 Thawed

Strain 3 C57BL/6J 11.4 4.3 Thawed

Strain 4 C57BL/6J 3 0 Thawed

C57BL/6J control C57BL/6J 25 17.8 Thawed

Strain 5 129/B6 5.7 8.3 Thawed

19/10/2010 Strain 6 C57BL/6J 48 31 Thawed

18/10/2010 Strain 7 C57BL/6J 32 3 fresh

12/10/2010 Strain 8 C57BL/6J 9.7 16 fresh

12/10/2010 C57BL/6J control C57BL/6J 22.8 5.2 Thawed

Strain 9 B6129 34.7 10 Thawed

Strain 10 mixed 44 16 Thawed

Strain 11 mixed 100 40.4 Thawed

Strain 12 mixed 55 34 Thawed

07/10/2010 Strain 14 C57BL/6J 66 48 fresh

11/10/2010 Strain 15 C57BL/6J 48 35 fresh

02/11/2010 Strain 16 C57BL/6J 27 19 Thawed

Strain 17 C57BL/6J 13 5.6 Thawed

PLINC Leading Questions

● What protection do I have if mains power fails and there’s a problem with the emergency generator?

The BT37 has a built-in battery that will run the incubator for 2 hours independently of mains power. But as soon as either the generator starts, or mains power is restored, the incubator reverts to external power and the battery is recharged.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Internal battery? YES no no no

● What if there’s contamination in the gas humidification system?

The whole gas humidification system of the BT37 is disposable, from the inlet filter through to the chambers.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Humidification system type disposable bottle & tubing set

disposable bottle & tubing set

cannot be humidified (fixed internal piping)

internal water tray and stone block

● I’ve heard that these benchtop incubators have a problem with the gas lines getting kinked and blocking gas flow– is this true?

The gas lines in the BT37 run through grooves in a metal block to prevent kinking.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Gas line anti-kink feature YES no n/a n/a

● I’ve heard that these benchtop incubators have a problem with condensation in the gas lines – is this true?

The gas lines in the BT37 run through grooves in a warmed metal block to improve thermal equilibration.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Gas line warming ACTIVE passive n/a n/a

● How do I identify which patients are in which location inside the incubator?

The BT37 has four magnetic labels per chamber that can be moved as you move dishes between incubators – and also move away from the culture area for cleaning.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Specimen labeling Magnetic labels Magnetic labels Magnetic labels write-on lid surface

● Logging data from the incubator is fine , but how can I monitor incubator operation via independent sensors?

Both the incubator chamber bases and lids of the BT37 have holes for inserting external temperature sensors.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Alarm connections YES yes yes yes

Data logging YES yes yes yes

External temperature sensor ports? YES

NO: third-party solution needed

(e.g. Planer Assure24seven)

NO: third party solution unknown

NO: third party solution unknown

● If a dish has to fit the grooves in the chamber base, how many different types of dishes can I use in the incubator?

Of all current benchtop incubator models, the BT37 can accept the widest range of dish types.

Planer BT37 Cook K-MINC K-Systems G185 Labotect C-Top

Range of dishes

Falcon 35 & 60 mmFalcon centre-well Nunc 35 & 60 mm

Nunc 4-wellMinitüb 5-well

Falcon 35 & 60 mmFalcon centre-well Nunc 35 & 60 mm

Nunc 4-well

Falcon 35 & 60 mmNunc 35 & 60 mm

Nunc 4-well

Falcon 35 & 60 mm Falcon centre-well Nunc 35 & 60 mm

Nunc 4-well

HUMAGEN PIPETS

MEDICULTMEDIA

MIDATLANTICDEVICES

Prospective randomized study on BT37 efficiencyProspective randomized study on BT37 efficiencyL. Parmegiani, GynePro Medical Centers, Bologna ItalyL. Parmegiani, GynePro Medical Centers, Bologna Italy

Female age limits ≤ 39 yearsFemale age limits ≤ 39 yearsStudy period: April-December 2010Study period: April-December 2010Transfer Day 2-3Transfer Day 2-3Randomization performed with sealed Randomization performed with sealed envelopesenvelopes

Standard

Standard

incubator 20% O

incubator 20% O

22

BT

37 Origio 5%

OB

T37 O

rigio 5% O

22PP

N° ICSI cyclesN° ICSI cycles 9494 8282 n.sn.s

N° embryo transfersN° embryo transfers 9494 8181 n.sn.s

% FERTILIZATION% FERTILIZATION 8282 8484 n.sn.s

% PREGNANCY% PREGNANCY 3131 4040 n.sn.s

% IMPLANTATION% IMPLANTATION 1414 2323 ≤ ≤ 0.050.05

HUMAGEN PIPETS

MEDICULTMEDIA

MIDATLANTICDEVICES

5% Oxygen culture environment, performed by BT37, 5% Oxygen culture environment, performed by BT37, significantly increases implantation ratessignificantly increases implantation rates

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

%FERTILIZATION %PREGNANCY %IMPLANTATION

standard incubator 20% O2

BT37 Origio

L. Parmegiani, GynePro Medical Centers, Bologna Italy 2011