Registry · equipment · Various
pH and osmolality measurement (culture QC)
Verifying that culture medium in the incubator sits at the intended pH and osmolality.
What it is and how it's used
pH is set by medium bicarbonate and incubator CO₂ (and altitude); osmolality by medium and evaporation. Both drift silently.
Typical failure modes
- pH out of range because CO₂ set-point wrong for the medium/altitude.
- Osmolality rising in dry incubators / small drops / long culture.
What to check first
- Measure pH of equilibrated medium at intervals and after any incubator/gas change.
- Osmolality of medium after culture period; compare with fresh.
IFU and practice notes
Follow the medium IFU for target pH/CO₂; keep instrument calibration records.
Neutral, and the IFU wins
This page summarises common experience across labs and is not manufacturer guidance. Always follow the current instructions for use for the exact product and version you have, and validate any change of product or protocol before patient use. Corrections and additions are welcome — tell us.
Shared with you by your clinic · Source: https://embryologics.com/embryologists/registry/ph-osmolality-qc · Medical Interventions. Reviewed by a certified clinical embryologist. Educational information — please discuss your own situation with your clinic.
This page is educational and general. It is not a substitute for advice from your own clinic or the manufacturer's instructions for use.