VOC Detection Within Laboratories
Many of these gases are known collectively as Volatile Organic Compounds
Gas Detection within these environments is essential in order to keep the working environment healthy, safe, and risk-free. To ensure optimal working conditions, the installation of an efficient ventilation (HEPA) system and a gas detection and monitoring system for monitoring VOC gases is critical.
Gas detection technology has brought about an increase in a laboratory’s capacity for efficiency, both within the facility itself, it’s processes and also in the safety of the people who work within this environment.
Reducing VOCs Within IVF Laboratories
Even though many airborne contaminants within a laboratory can be removed using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. This method alone will not remove VOCs.
Even though an IVF laboratory may on the surface be clinically sterile it could
still be contaminated by VOCs, coming from either sources within the laboratory, neighbouring rooms or even the surrounding area. There are many different VOCs that can be found in an IVF lab, including formaldehyde, isopropanol, hydrocarbons such as xylene, and refrigerant components.
The nature of the IVF process, more specifically the handling of the eggs, sperm and embryos outside of the body exposes them to many toxic substances and airborne pollutants such as VOCs. Although human embryos are extremely robust and adaptable to their environment it has been found that exposure to VOCs can have a detrimental effect on the IVF success rates. Research has shown that when it comes to VOCs, levels of over one part per million (ppm) will lead to poor development of both mouse and human embryos.
”Regular monitoring of our laboratory’s air quality with the ION Science Tiger has shown very low levels of VOCs. With major building work taking place outside the air intakes from our laboratory, the use of the instrument is even more critical to maintaining those levels.
The aim of the HFEA regulation is to implement standards of air quality in laboratories where tissues are prepared for use in humans, including assisted conception facilities. Part of this is measuring and maintaining the air found in tissue laboratories with particle and microbial counts being done on a regular basis.
Philip Milne, Clinical Embryologist At Ninewells Hospitals Assisted Conception Unit
Dangers Of VOCs Within An IVF Laboratory
Even though an IVF laboratory may on the surface be clinically sterile it could still be contaminated by VOCs, coming from either sources within the laboratory, neighbouring rooms or even the surrounding area. There are many different VOCs that can be found in an IVF lab, including formaldehyde, isopropanol, hydrocarbons such as xylene, and refrigerant components.
These can originate from a number of sources including:
- Medical Gases
- Cabinets
- Instrument Packs
- Construction Materials
- Furniture
- Carpets
- Laboratory Personnel
VOC Build-Up
Ultimately limitation and control of VOC build-up in the IVF laboratory has proven to be the most effective way of ensuring that the IVF laboratory has adequate functionality whilst minimising any damaging effects on reproductive cells.
This can be done in a number of ways:
- Room Separation
- Incubator Setup & Maintenance
- Furniture
- Out-Gassing Plastic
- VOC-Free Paint & Cleaning Products
- Laboratory Workers
Download our FREE Guide
“Reducing VOCs Within IVF Laboratories”
The reducing VOCs within IVF laboratories guide which can be downloaded below provides the reader with an in-depth balance of knowledge on VOC dangers in IVF laboratories and why the ability of PID to measure low levels of any VOC makes it a vital tool in any laboratory or clean room. A PID detector is sensitive enough to detect parts per billion (ppb) levels of VOCs that can be toxic but are not able to be removed using standard high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration methods. This is crucial as live birth rate are at a less of 50%, so high standards of quality and safety within the laboratory are of the highest possible level.
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Gas Detection Equipment For The Detection Of VOCs Within Laboratories
Tiger Handheld VOC Gas Detector
The Tiger handheld VOC gas detector is a revolutionary portable PID instrument for rapid, accurate detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Tiger LT Portable VOC Gas Detector
The Tiger LT portable VOC gas detector is an entry-level, portable instrument for fast, accurate detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Tiger Select Portable Benzene Gas Detector
Tiger Select is a portable benzene gas detector with two operation modes for rapid detection of benzene and Total Aromatic Compounds (TACs) providing accurate, reliable data.
Cub 10.6 eV Personal VOC Gas Detector
Cub 10.6 eV personal VOC gas detector is worn within the breathing zone to detect volatile organic compounds, keeping you safe within your working environment.
Falco Diffused – Fixed VOC Gas Detector
Falco Diffused, Fixed VOC Gas Detector is ideal for detecting VOCs and TACs in areas such as refineries and petrol chemical facilities.
Falco Pumped – Fixed VOC Gas Monitor
Falco pumped instruments are ideal for detecting VOCs and TACs in difficult locations such as underground or in confined spaces.
GasCheck G Handheld Helium Gas Leak Detector
Designed for the search and location of gas leaks, the GasCheck G handheld helium gas leak detector provides you with effective detection of almost any gas or gas mixture.
GasCheck Tesla Portable Helium Leak Detector
ION Sciences portable helium leak detector is highly sensitive & effective for use within high magnetic fields.
Titan Benzene Specific Gas Monitor
Titan fixed benzene specific gas monitor provides continuous detection for plant and worker safety in petrol chemical environments.
TVOC 2 Continuous VOC Gas Detector
TVOC 2 is a fixed, continuous VOC gas detector that accurately detects and measures Total Volatile Organic Compounds within industrial working environments.
Fire Investigation Kit
Tiger fire investigation kit provides fast, accurate detection of VOCs for fire and arson investigations with resistance to humidity and contamination.
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