IVF Cryopreservation and Safe Handling Practices

Couples that want to have a baby but have not been able to conceive naturally are drawn to invitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

In an IVF treatment, several eggs are fertilized at once, which creates multiple embryos. While more than one embryo may be implanted, to spur the odds of pregnancy, there are inevitably some unused embryos.

The remaining embryos may be preserved cryogenically, for use later, rather than destroyed. There are many reasons couples may select cryopreservation of embryos, including:

• A second chance if the IVF treatment fails the first time around
• The desire to have another child
• As a precaution before undergoing medically necessary procedures that might the reduce the odds of a successful pregnancy, such as cancer treatment
• Opportunity to use embryos in medical research
• Opportunity to donate embryos to another couple

The National Embryo Donation Center estimates that there are over 700,000 human embryos currently stored in the United States.

The cryogenic process relies on cryoprotective agents (or CPAs), which protect the embryo from damage while it freezes. Damage may occur as ice crystals form during the freezing process. Without the use of CPAs, the ice crystals could pierce the embryo wall, causing embryo failure.

Cryopreservation facilities may use either a slow or fast method to freeze the embryos. In the slow method, embryos are frozen in stages, with protective agents added in slow doses over time. The frozen embryos are then preserved in liquid nitrogen until they are slowly thawed for use.

The fast-freezing method combines higher concentrations of CPAs to the embryo, after which the embryo is quickly plunged into liquid nitrogen. The process is so quick that ice is unable to form, thus protecting the embryo from damage.

Wherever liquid nitrogen is used, there are risks associated with nitrogen leaks. Nitrogen displaces oxygen, and a leak would rob the air of oxygen, thereby creating a health hazard for medical staff. When there is not enough oxygen in the air, persons working in the area can suffocate due to the lack of oxygen. Since nitrogen lacks color and odor, there is no way to detect a leak using the senses. In addition, a nitrogen leak could lead to failure of the cryopreservation tanks storing the embryos. In order to ensure the safety of employees, and the viability of the embryos, cryopreservation facilities need to rely on oxygen monitors.

How Oxygen Monitors Protect Employee Health in IVF Facilities

Oxygen monitors continually sample the air, taking periodic readings of current oxygen levels. In the event of a nitrogen leak, and a drop in oxygen to an OSHA action level, the built-in horn will sound, and lights will begin to flash, thereby providing notification to the employees that they must exit the area.

Best practice calls for oxygen monitors to be placed wherever nitrogen is used or stored. Not all oxygen monitors currently on the market are suitable for use in confined spaces or in freezers.

PureAire Monitoring Systems oxygen monitors are uniquely suited for use in an IVF facility, because the monitors can withstand temperatures as low as -40C.

PureAire Monitoring Systems monitors feature long-lasting zirconium sensors, which are designed to provide accurate readings, without calibration, for up to 10 years. Busy IVF facilities will appreciate the ease of use, and low maintenance of PureAire Monitoring Systems products.

To learn more or to view product specs, please visit www.pureairemonitoring.com

New Solar Cell Technology to Help lower prices for the consumer

Inkjet Perovskite solar cells may help shape the future of energy production by lowering costs, and transparency.

Solar panels used to be costly and time-consuming to produce—and quite expensive on the consumer side. New technologies have driven costs as well as production time down, to the benefit of consumers. See what's new with solar panels and where the solar cell technology is going. 

New Solar Panel Developments

In traditional solar panels, silicon acts as a semiconductor. By doping the silica material with gallium and arsenic impurities, the silicon-based solar panel is able to capture solar energy and convert the sun's energy to electricity. While there are other materials that can act as semiconductors for solar energy, silicon is ideal because is forms an oxide at high temperatures. The oxide makes it easy to product consistent, high quality solar panels. The latest generation of solar cells use perovskite rather than silicon.

In 2009, researchers first discovered that perovskite could also be used to make photovoltaic solar cells. Despite the potential of this discovery, perovskites weren't considered a good choice for solar panels, because the materials needed to be heated to such high temperatures that very few materials could be coated with the perovskite solution. Glass could withstand the high heat, but a glass solar panel would be an impractical product for obvious reasons.

A young scientist recently discovered a new way to work with perovskites. Using an evaporation method, Polish scientist Olga Malinkiewicz, was able to coat flexible foil with perovskites. To speed the substrate drying process, nitrogen was used. By blowing dry nitrogen gas over the wet perovskite film, the resulting evaporation happened faster and more consistently. Without utilizing nitrogen in the process, the panels could have an inconsistent coverage, which would lead to poor energy conversion rates. 

The resulting solar panels were thin and flexible, both in their material application and their use cases. Imagine a portable solar panel that could attach to a laptop, drone, or car, something that could capture the sun's energy indoors or outdoors and travel with you, to power whatever you needed. 

Since her initial discovery, Malinkiewicz has refined the approach. The latest generation of perovskite solar cells are created with an inkjet printing procedure which makes them faster and cheaper to produce. With mass production feasible from an economic perspective, the perovskite solar cells can be a popular option to add electricity to areas that do not have an underlying power grid, whether that's rural communities or developing countries.

The technology is still being refined, so you won't see widespread perovskite solar cells just yet. However, researchers are cheering the innovation and its potential to revolutionize energy distribution.

One thing to consider moving forward with perovskite solar panels is the use of nitrogen in the process. Anywhere nitrogen is used, there's a safety risk should the gas leak from supply lines. 

How an Oxygen Monitor Can Help Detect Nitrogen Gas Leaks

Nitrogen leaks create health risks because nitrogen displaces oxygen, which humans need to breathe. Undetected, a nitrogen leak could create oxygen-deficient air, leading to respiratory distress and eventually death via asphyxiation. Nitrogen gases is both colorless and odorless, which means it would be impossible to detect a leak relying on the senses.

The easiest way to detect a leak is to measure ambient oxygen using an oxygen monitor. Oxygen monitors continually track levels of oxygen, sounding an alarm if levels fall to the OSHA threshold where safety is at risk. With flashing lights and a loud alarm, workers will be able to exit the room before the onset of health problems. 

PureAire creates industry-leading oxygen monitors that last for 10 or more years, with no calibration or maintenance needed. Learn more or view product specs at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Pepsi Is Launching the First Ever “Nitro Soda”

Nitrogen-infused or nitro beverages have been among the biggest trends in the beverage industry. There's been no shortage of nitro cold brew coffees and nitro beers, but never a nitro soda—until now, with the launch of Nitro Pepsi. The new beverage was sampled at the 2019 Super Bowl and while you won't find it on tap just yet, here's what you can look forward to.

Introducing Nitro Pepsi 

Nitro Pepsi aims to revolutionize the most signature aspect of soda, which is the carbonation.

CO2 gas is responsible for creating the tangy bubbles that give soda its texture and mouthfeel. Nitrogen creates bubbles that are smaller and softer, for a creamier mouthfeel in the drink. The creamy experience naturally complements sweet, malty beer styles like stouts and porters, as well as cold brew coffees.

Translated into Pepsi, the nitrogen bubbles create a beverage that's reminiscent of an ice cream float (with that creamy sweetness). The drink will be available in two flavors, original Pepsi and vanilla. Pepsi recommends drinking the Nitro Pepsi cold, but not over ice.

With its new nitro soda, Pepsi hopes to transform the soda drinking experience, much the way that craft beer and coffee have been transformed by nitro drinks, and introduce their brand to a new audience of consumers.

While there's a lot of excitement around the new beverage, there are also some risks to consider, due to the use of nitrogen gas. Nitrogen is naturally dense and will displace oxygen in the environment. If the bottling plant experiences a nitrogen leak, this means that oxygen within the bottling plant will be pushed out of the air, creating a public health hazard.

Nitrogen gas is colorless and odorless, so employees would not be able to spot the leak. When oxygen levels first begin falling, employees will not notice any symptoms. By the time oxygen levels dip to the point where health is at risk, employees may begin to experience cognitive confusion or suffer respiratory distress. With oxygen deprivation, there's a risk of losing consciousness or suffering death via asphyxiation.

Preventing Nitrogen Leaks With a Dual O₂/CO₂ Monitor

While the nitrogen leak cannot be detected, what can be tracked is the level of oxygen in the room. By paying attention to oxygen levels and alerting employees when levels fall below the safe threshold, as defined by OSHA, a dual O2/CO2 monitor protects public health. Not only are these alarms required by OSHA where inert gases like nitrogen are used, they are the easiest way to protect employees from workplace hazards and deliver peace of mind in the plant bottling area.

The O2 monitor works by sampling the air to check oxygen levels. As long as oxygen levels are within the safe zone, the monitor is silent. With PureAire products, the monitor always displays readouts on a screen, so employees can check oxygen levels at a glance.

If a nitrogen leak develops and oxygen starts to fall, the monitor will flash lights and sound an alarm so that employees have ample warning to evacuate the area. Plant workers can then alert emergency services, who can respond to the leak.

There are many O2 monitors on the market, but PureAire's are unique for their construction. PureAire O2 monitors and dual O2/CO2 monitors feature zirconium sensors, which offer 10 or more years of reliable performance with no calibration. PureAire monitors do not need calibration or maintenance. All that's needed is to unbox the monitor, mount it on the wall, and plug it in to enjoy continuous oxygen monitoring and superior leak detection.

PureAire's O2 monitors are industry leading for their quality, construction, and performance. To learn more about PureAire’s dual O2/CO2 monitor or oxygen monitor, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com.

What is a Room Oxygen Deficiency Monitor?

Many industries use compressed gas to create products. While compressed gases such as nitrogen are low-cost, easy to use, and flexible in a range of industries, these gases have a hidden downside: They displace oxygen from the air, which puts your workers at risk of suffocation if there's a leak. A room oxygen monitor checks levels of oxygen and provides in-time alerts if there's a gas leak. Learn what a room oxygen monitor does, how it works, and who needs one.

What Does an Oxygen Monitor Do? 

Inert gases, such as nitrogen, displace oxygen. Since these gases cannot be seen or smelled, facilities need a tool that's capable of detecting gas leaks. An oxygen monitor tracks levels of oxygen in a room and provides efficient notification if oxygen levels fall as the result of a gas leak.

Oxygen monitors may be called O2 monitors or oxygen deficiency monitors. While these names are all synonymous, there are a few other terms you might hear that do not refer to this kind of oxygen monitor.

In the medical and pharmaceutical industries, you may come across blood oxygen monitor, pulse oximetry, or oximeter products. These are totally different products than the oxygen deficiency monitor, and they will not protect against gas leaks. You'll find medical oximeters sold at pharmacies and online retailers, while oxygen deficiency monitors are sold online, through distributors, or directly from manufacturers like PureAire.

Which Industries Use an Oxygen Monitor? 

Oxygen monitors are used by businesses in the following industries:

Food and beverage 
OLED
Semiconductor
Automotive

Pharmaceutical

Medical gas
MRI
Cryotherapy and cryohealth

Cryopreservation

Egg freezing

Research and development

Businesses in these industries commonly use gases such as nitrogen in everyday operations. An oxygen deficiency monitor not only provides in-time notification of gas leaks but may be required by regulations. Failing to install an oxygen deficiency monitor could leave you out of compliance, which could lead to fines.

How Does an Oxygen Monitor Work? 

An oxygen monitor works by using a sensor to check levels of oxygen. A digital display interface shows readouts in PPM, PPB, or percentage, so your workers can tell at a glance that everything is functioning properly.

When levels of oxygen are at naturally occurring levels, the oxygen monitor stays silent. Employees can still check the readout for peace of mind. When something is wrong, an loud alarm goes off to provide your workers with instant notification of a safety threat. 

PureAire's line of oxygen monitors feature a unique zirconium sensor, which is designed to function for 10 years or more with no maintenance. Unlike other types of O2 monitors on the market, our oxygen monitor does not need regular maintenance or calibration. Your facility will save time and money when you choose PureAire products. 

PureAire's O2 monitor perform in a range of environments, including confined spaces, basements, and freezers. Capable of accurate readouts in temperatures as low as -40 C, our oxygen monitors never drift from barometric pressure shifts or thunderstorms. 

Do you have questions about oxygen deficiency monitors? We're here to answer your questions. Chat with us online or call today: 888.788.8050.

How Many Oxygen Monitors Should Be Installed? Where Should I mount one?

While OSHA regulations require the use of an oxygen monitor anywhere that compressed gases or cryogenic liquids are used or stored indoors, the regulation does not provide sufficient detail for facilities on how to set up am oxygen monitor. Businesses want to comply with the regulations, but are left wondering what compliance looks like. At PureAire, we're often asked by our customers, "how many oxygen sensors should installed?" so we thought we'd provide clarification on where and how to mount oxygen monitors.

Where an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Should be Used

OSHA regulations require that oxygen deficiency monitors be placed in any room where compressed gases are used or stored. Storage areas are frequently outside or in confined spaces, such as basements or storage closets.

When gas tanks are installed outside and the gas enters the facility by pipes, we recommend oxygen deficiency monitors be installed near the main gas connections, which is where the gas enters the facility. This might be near a machine, a food and beverage packaging dispensing machine, a 3D printer, or other tool.

With respect to a confined space where dewars of gas are kept, the oxygen deficiency monitor should be installed directly in the storage area. PureAire's oxygen monitors are designed to function optimally in confined spaces, including cryogenic freezers, and are impervious to shifts in barometric pressure. As such, they take accurate readouts of oxygen levels in confined spaces, freezers, facilities, and other places.

The oxygen monitors measure  5.12 inches wide by 4.5 inches high by 3.25 inches deep, and their small size means that they're quite easy to place about the facility, even if you need to place the O₂ monitor in a tight confined space, such as a cryogenic freezer.

Best Place to Mount an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor 

Best practice is to mount the oxygen deficiency monitor 3 to 5 feet off the ground, as well as 3 to 5 feet away from a gas cylinder.

There are situations when the oxygen monitor should be placed further away. One common example is MRI rooms, where metal is prohibited due to the strength of the MRI magnet. In these circumstances, the oxygen deficiency monitor can be mounted outside of the room, and a plastic sample draw tube used to check oxygen levels inside the MRI room.

What is the Proper Spacing of Oxygen Monitors? 

This last question may be the trickiest question to answer. Nitrogen and other inert gases have no odor or color, so they cannot be seen. The difficulty here is that it's all but impossible to say where the gas will go if there is a leak.  

We recommend that you place one oxygen deficiency monitor every 400 to 600 square feet to be safe. This works out to every 20 to 30 feet in a large space. When you use this ratio to determine the right number and spacing of oxygen monitors for your facility, you'll be adequately covered just in case anything happens. Given the deadly consequences of a nitrogen leak, it's better to be safe than sorry.  

PureAire creates oxygen deficiency monitors that are capable of withstanding some of the toughest conditions. Oxygen deficiency monitors from PureAire are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -40 C up to 55 C.     

Oxygen deficiency monitors can last for 10 or more years with no calibration. The hardy zirconium sensor needs no calibration after installation, which means that setup couldn't be easier.  

PureAire's monitors are accurate to +/- 1 percent and come with two alarm levels, 18 percent and 19.5 percent. The integrated alarms provide sufficient notification for workers to evacuate the area. The LCD display is backlit so it's easy to read. 

All PureAire O2 monitors come with a 3 year warranty. Wall mounting brackets and an optional plug-in wall power supply are included, so you can mount the unit upon receipt and protect your facility from dangerous gas leaks.

To learn more about PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com.

How to Monitor Oxygen Levels in a Room?

If you're wondering how to monitor oxygen levels in a room, look no further than an oxygen monitor. Learn how to use an oxygen monitor, where you install an oxygen monitor, and why this one little device could save a life. 

Why Should I Measure Oxygen Levels in a Room? 

Before we can answer the question of how to measure oxygen levels in a room, we must look at why you're measuring oxygen levels in a room. 

Humans need oxygen to breathe. The air's natural oxygen concentration is around 21 percent; however, natural oxygen in the air can be displaced by certain gases, including nitrogen and argon. If nitrogen were to leak in a closed space, oxygen levels would fall. Since nitrogen and other inert gases have no color or odor, it's not as if you can spot a nitrogen leak occurring. 

When oxygen levels fall below the safe threshold, which is 19.5 percent, health hazards may occur. With only a few breaths of oxygen deficient air, you could fall unconscious and suffocate. Given these safety risks, leak detection systems are necessary. 

What is an Oxygen Monitor? 

An oxygen monitor is a device that measures oxygen levels in the room, to ensure the air has enough oxygen for respiration. Also called an oxygen deficiency monitor or an O₂ monitor, an oxygen monitor uses a sensor to measure oxygen levels. By tracking oxygen levels, gas leaks can be detected even though the leaking substance cannot be seen or smelled. 

Oxygen monitors come with a range of features, including built-in alarms that go off when leaks occur. There is usually a loud alarm (designed to be heard over machine noise) as well as a flashing light. 

Oxygen levels differ in their setup and maintenance needs, which makes the question of how to use an oxygen monitor a little more challenging to answer. Some brands of oxygen monitor require annual maintenance and calibration. Other styles of oxygen monitor, such as those sold at PureAire, do not need calibration after installation. PureAire's O₂ monitors are designed to work efficiently and accurately for 10 or more year after installation, saving time and money. 

Where You Install an Oxygen Monitor? 

Oxygen monitors should be installed anywhere there is a risk of gas leaks. Place one oxygen monitor in any room where you store inert gases and in any room where these gases are used. This way, if you have a helium, argon, or nitrogen spill -- for instance, in a university science lab -- the oxygen sensor will detect the lower levels of oxygen and sound the alarm. 

How do You Install an Oxygen Monitor?

Oxygen monitors can be mounted on the wall using a bracket and screw, then connected via plug-in-the-wall power supply. Alternately, oxygen monitors can be hardwired with the services of an electrician. It's your choice. We recommend that oxygen monitors be installed 3 to 5 feet off the ground, and 3 to 5 feet away from any obstacle, such as a gas tank. 

Oxygen monitors deliver peace of mind that your employees and your facility are protected from the hazardous side effects of a gas leak. They may be required by industry regulations. To get an industry-leading oxygen monitor that's maintenance-free, look to PureAire.

Where Can I Buy an Oxygen Monitor?

You know you need an O₂ monitor, but where do you get one, and how much does it cost?  Selling oxygen deficiency monitors is our business, so we've rounded up information to choose the right oxygen deficiency monitor for your needs. 

Who Should Use an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor? 

An oxygen deficiency monitor should be placed anywhere that inert gases, such as argon or nitrogen, are used or stored. Industries that use an oxygen deficiency monitor include: 

• Research & development – Laboratories often perform testing using nitrogen, argon, or CO2.
• Medical gases- Used in hospitals, or labs requiring ultra-purity (99.9%) inert gases or nitrogen gas.
• MRI facilities- Helium gas surrounds the MR magnet to protect from overheating while in operation.
• Pharmaceutical- Nitrogen is used in cryogenic freezers and CO₂ or dry ice is commonly used for shipping heat sensitive prescription drugs.
• Cryotherapy- Nitrogen gas is used to create on-demand low temperatures quickly for therapy. Used for treating people to reduce inflammation.
• Cryopreservation- N₂ gas is used in the process of cooling and storing cells, tissues, or organs at very low temperatures to maintain their viability.
• Universities- Many schools specializing in medicine, sciences, or aerospace require nitrogen gas, argon gas, or carbon dioxide for experiments and long-term research.
• Semiconductor- Ultra purity nitrogen gas or other inert gases are required to reduce corrosion and oxidation on wafers or in semiconductor tools.
• Food & Beverage- Nitrogen gas or CO₂ is used to rapidly flash freeze food, or increase the shelf life of packaged foods and beverages.
• OLED- Nitrogen gas is used to reduce oxidation in printing chambers maintaining the quality of the substrate.
• 3D Printers- Argon gas and nitrogen gas are used in printers to reduce corrosion and protect metals from being a source of ignition, most commonly titanium metals.

What is an Oxygen Monitor Alarm?

An oxygen monitor alarm goes off if oxygen levels fall to a critical threshold, which is defined by OSHA as below 19.5 percent. 

The type of alarm varies by the specifications of the oxygen deficiency monitor you're considering. At PureAire, our oxygen monitors have two alarm levels, for 19.5 percent and 18 percent. The built-in alarm operates at 90 decibels, so workers can hear the alarm over facility noise. The optional horn and strobe combination amplifies the alarm. 

Alarm relays link alerts with third party communication systems, such as control panels, PLCs, or fire alarm systems for maximum versatility. 

How Much Does an Oxygen Monitor Cost?

Oxygen monitors range in price from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on if you need percentage or ppm accuracy. 

Where Can I Buy an Oxygen Monitor? 

Now that you understand the different features available in an oxygen monitor, as well as who should have an O₂ monitor, you're ready to research and buy. We're partial to PureAire products, but we always recommend that you review the specifications of any oxygen deficiency monitor so you understand what features the product has and whether it's right for you. PureAire includes a sensor lasting 10 year or more which is usually more desirable when you’re planning on using an oxygen monitor longer than 2 to 3 years.

You can buy an oxygen deficiency monitor online from the manufacturer, directly though distributors, and through commerce outlets as well. 

PureAire works with various distributors such as Airgas, Air Liquide, Linde, Air Products, Fisher Scientific, and Johnson Controls.

One note of caution here, especially if you use the internet to research oxygen monitors. A number of products may come up when you search for O₂ monitors that are NOT the correct product to detect gas leaks. You may find search results for the following products when you begin to look for oxygen monitors online: 

• Finger oxygen monitor
• Blood oxygen monitor 
• Pulse oximetry monitor 
• Oximeter
• Baby monitor 

As you may guess from the names, these other monitors are commonly used in medical and pharmaceutical settings. The price point will be far less than what you would spend for the type of oxygen monitor we're talking about. The other oxygen monitors are also found in stores and online at pharmacies: Walgreens, Target, CVS, and the like. 

When you review the product specifications, make sure the product you've found does what you need it to do: Monitor levels of oxygen in the air to detect a gas leak that could harm your facility and workers. 

If there are other questions you have about shopping for an oxygen deficiency monitor, we're here for you. Chat with us online or email us today.