Learn more about our Trakstation pH monitoring technology and how best to incorporate the system

Initial Purchase

Why is your pH monitor better than other products in the market?

The TrakStation® provides a calibration-free, user-friendly, automated, continuous, non-invasive pH monitoring system versus invasive, labor-intensive point-in-time measurements.

The TrakStation pH monitoring system is a complete system that uses replaceable sensors, provides easy to use instructions and lasts the whole cycle during the IVF process.  Further, the TrakStation uses a unique QC standard that allows embryologists to maintain measurement accuracy from cycle to cycle.

Who uses the TrakStation?

Leaders in the Clinical IVF and Animal Reproduction world use the TrakStation for private, academic, and research purposes. Noted clinics such as Fertility with Grace in Vancouver, Canada, Seattle Reproductive Medicine, Boston IVF, and Princeton IVF, along with market leading incubator manufactures including Labotect, Planer and ASTEC. Please see our Testimonials page for more information.

How many are out there?

The SAFE Sens IVM product completed its early adopter testing program in June 2013 and production shipments began in September 2013.   The TrakStation® systems began shipping in March 2016, with hundreds of units sold through our extensive partner and distribution base since launch. See here for a list of our distribution partners.

Where are your users?

Our early adopters include some of the world’s most influential and respected leaders in the IVF industry.  Please see our Testimonials page.

How do you know it is accurate?

Our company, Blood Cell Storage, Inc. (BCSI) is a world leader in pH measurement for the blood industry.  The SAFE Sens IVM is a direct derivative of our pH SAFE Reader used with thousands of platelets storage bags, and the TrakStation is the latest and most modern application of our pH monitoring technology produced.  Our design and production are controlled according to our ISO-9001 certification.  As such the system accuracy is fully controlled.

What benchtop incubators can TrakStation pH monitoring technology be installed in?

The TrakStation pH monitoring technology is currently integrated with multiple benchtop incubator types including humidified, non-humidified, and time-lapse. We continue to expand our available benchtop incubator market, including integration with future generations of benchtop incubators and offering retrofits to existing incubators.

Which media types have you used?

Origio, Sage, Cook, Vitrolife, Medicult and others.  It is recommended to run the site standardization protocol again if you decide to change from one media vendor to another.

Are you FDA, CE certified?

The system is CE safety certified.  Since today it is a laboratory monitor, it does not require medical device certification.  With TrakPods that are built into bench top incubators the manufacturer of the benchtop incubator is responsible for the CE and FDA certifications.  BCSI supports them fully with all required information needed to support these certifications.

Is the sensor or any components of the system Embryotoxic?

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.

Who sells your pH monitoring products?

The products are 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.

 

Do you have publications using the TrakStation?

Yes, please ask a representative for white papers and test results.  We also have a webinar series with people using the technology.  Let a representative know if you would like to sign up for email invitations about this.

How much does it cost?

It is priced competitively against other pH monitoring technologies.  Additional configurations or monitoring options are available.  Please see a representative for local pricing.

Installation and First Use

How many incubators can one TrakStation monitor?

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

Do I need a computer to use the TrakStation?

No, the touchscreen display controls up to eight (8) TrakPods and  provides visual presentation of the current and recent pH values.

What’s the variability of the measurements?

Repeatability of pH readings is excellent, less than 0.03 pH units. 

Can you add TrakStation and TrakPods to an existing incubator?

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

Will the TrakStation pH monitoring technology work in a dry incubator?

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

Does the TrakStation pH monitoring system require skilled labor to set up and use?

No, it is intended for laboratory staff to setup and use the system.

How long does it take to train my staff?

Under thirty (30) minutes.  Have your staff watch the product videos here and they should be ready to go.

Equipment Servicing

How long does the light source last?

Forever, it is based on LED technology. Any ‘decay’ in output is adjusted during the QC cycle.  The TrakPods are designed with a 10 year lifetime.

Does the system require calibration?

The TrakPods and TrakStation do not need to be calibrated, each lot of sensors comes certified from the Manufacturer with a pHID code.  The TrakStation uses a System Alignment Test to check the optical performance of the system.  This QC procedure takes less than thirty (30) seconds and is performed weekly.

How often do you have to service it?

The only normal user service activity required is to replace the QC standard once a year.  The hardware has no moving parts.  The sensing chemistry for the system is built in the disposable sensors such that the hardware does not require factory servicing to continue operating.

How much does service cost?

Should something go wrong with the unit in the first two years after purchase, all repair is covered.  After that period of time your Customer Support Management Program (CSMP) determines cost.  Please ask a representative for more information.

Does the system come with a warranty?

Yes- the system comes with a comprehensive two (2) year warranty. BCSI also offers three (3) different levels of customer support packages.  Please ask a representative for more information.

Accessories FAQs

Learn about our qc2 alignment tool and our sv2 sensors.

qc2 Alignment Tool

What is happening during a QC test?

During a QC test, the TrakPod checks fluorescent intensities using the qc2 alignment tool. If the intensities do not match the values encoded on the label, then the TrakPod will change the detector settings automatically. It is essential that the qc2 alignment tool be placed squarely on the TrakPod fiber as the distance from the qc2 to the fiber optic will impact light intensity. It is also critical that QC testing is performed using the qc2 alignment tool and not with the sv2 sensors

Can the System Alignment Tool (QC Standard) be used with more than one TrakPod?

The System Alignment Tool (QC Standard) may be used to align up to twenty (20) TrakPods.

How frequently do I use the System Alignment Tool?

We recommend using the System Alignment Tool (QC Standard) once a week.  This is easiest to do after each weekly testing cycle so that any deviation from sensor to sensor can be accommodated.

What is the System Alignment Tool or QC Standard? Cost? Lifetime?

The System Alignment Tool (QC Standard) is a small, passive device that attaches to the fiber probe.  Please see your representative for local pricing.  It lasts for a full twelve (12) months.

sv2 Sensors

Is the sensor sterile?

Yes, the sensor is provided with a Sterility Assurance Level of 10-3.

What is the cost of the replaceable sensor?

The sensor is priced competitively against other pH monitoring technologies.  Please see a representative for local pricing.

Can fully-prepared sensors be saved and held for later use in future pH monitoring? Are the sensors re-usable?

No. Once you put media or another fluid in a sensor, it starts the sensor’s lifetime’s clock. Even if the sensor is not used for pH monitoring, the sensor will begin to degrade from being in contact with liquids and will not return an accurate pH measurement. Any sensors that have been prepared, but not subsequently used for site standardization and/or routine pH monitoring, will need to be discarded. The sensor cups are single-use disposables and are not reusable.

What is the pHID?

The pHID is the certification code for the sensor provided by the manufacturer.  Certain TrakPods from OEM partners require a specific pHID in order to function correctly.  The sensors for these systems must be purchased from authorized suppliers of those OEM.

How long does the sensor last?

The sensor will last seven (7) days with the normal 30 minute testing frequency.

I have a question that was not covered in the FAQ. What now?

Great! Please email support@safesens.com with your question and we will be happy to provide an answer for you. Please let us know in your message that you could not find your question in the FAQ sections, and we will add it to our website in order to assist other customers in the future.