12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about pH Monitoring Technology

The TrakStation pH monitoring technology uses a fluorescent dye that emits characteristic wavelength spectra at different pH levels. During measurement, the fiber optic delivers flashes of green light from a monochromatic light source to the sensor. The light excites the dye in the membrane and induces fluorescent light emission at two wavelengths. The technology then calculates the ratio of the two wavelengths and converts it to the pH value. The TrakStation system takes the guesswork out of your final media pH value using our proprietary fluorescent dye technology. Our system reacts to the shifting chemistry in the medium, meaning that changes caused by your incubator equipment will be reflected in the pH results collected by the system.

Our pH monitoring technology provides an alternative to invasive, labor-intensive, point-in-time measurements. The TrakStation® is a complete system that uses replaceable sensors for calibration-free and user-friendly pH monitoring. The technology provides automated, continuous, non-invasive data and includes easy to use instructions. Use our Comparative table to see the benefits of a pH Monitoring Technology compared to standard pH measurement tools.

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Blood Cell Storage, Inc. (BCSI) is a world leader in pH measurement for the blood industry.  BCSI has been developing and selling fluorescent pH technology and products into the blood platelet storage marketplace for the past 16 years. The  TrakStation is a derivative of our pH SAFE Reader used with thousands of platelets storage bags.  System accuracy is controlled through our design and production protocols according to our ISO-9001 certification.  We test every lot of sensors made against a blood gas analyzer.

Each TrakStation can continuously monitor pH in up to 8 incubators or incubator chambers.  One TrakPod® is used to monitor each incubator or incubator chamber.

Yes. Each TrakPod detail screen shows recent pH data.  This data can also be exported and plotted in spreadsheet tools. See below for examples of pH trends that can be seen only using monitoring technology. Check out more pH trends here.

Yes, data can be exported into a CSV file to a USB drive or via a network connection.

Yes. Users can easily set a predetermined range, and email alerts are sent in the event the pH moves out of set range.  To enable this feature, the TrakStation must be connected to the internet.

For large format incubators, absolutely.  For benchtop incubators, the TrakPod is built into new benchtops and can be retrofitted into select models.  Contact the manufacturer of your incubator or us for more details.

Yes, dry incubators require a larger oil overlay than humid incubators.  Refer to the user manual for recommended amounts.

No.  According to Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) testing on each batch of sensors, they are not Embryotoxic.  Likewise, representative samples of the fiber optic components used in the system and the system alignment tool (QC standard) were tested and found to be not Embryotoxic.

The TrakStation can accommodate multiple embryo culture media, with several options for pH monitoring:
1.        You can monitor each media on alternating weeks and confirm that the environmental impact of that media remains optimal. Most of our users choose this method.
OR
2.       Two (2) TrakPods can be used to monitor each media type simultaneously.
OR
3.       Lastly, two (2) sensors can be prepared – one with each media and the sensors can be exchanged when the embryos are moved to the next media (this can be difficult to time when embryos have different starting times).

Our monitoring technology is in use in 36 countries over 5 continents and is available globally through a variety of distributors.  Please check out the distributor page for a local distributor or email us and we will put you in contact with a local distribution channel. Our early adopters include some of the world’s most influential and respected leaders in the IVF industry.