LimsPulse
Bioanalytical

CO₂ incubator

A warm, humid chamber that holds mammalian cell cultures at body temperature (usually 37 °C), high humidity and a set CO₂ level (usually 5%), so the culture medium stays at the right pH.

  • Biotechnology
  • Biopharmaceutical
  • Cell and gene therapy
  • IVF clinics
  • Academic research
  • Vaccine manufacture
Photo of a CO₂ incubator
Photo: Unknown (public domain), Public domain (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance checklist

Daily

  • Check and record temperature and CO₂ display values
  • Check water pan level and alarm status

Weekly

  • Check the water pan for contamination; replace water as per SOP
  • Wipe door gasket and inner glass door

Monthly

  • Clean and disinfect the interior, shelves and water pan
  • Check CO₂ against an independent calibrated analyser if required by SOP

Every 6–12 months

  • Verify temperature (with mapping) and CO₂ with calibrated instruments
  • Run a decontamination cycle
  • Replace CO₂ inlet and HEPA filters as the manual advises
SAFETY

Safety precautions

Before you work on the CO₂ incubator
  • CO₂ is an asphyxiant at high concentrations. Ensure adequate room ventilation and check for leaks.
  • Secure gas cylinders and use the correct regulator.
  • Treat cultures and spills according to their biosafety level.
  • High-temperature decontamination cycles make surfaces very hot; let the chamber cool before opening.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every CO₂ incubator in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how