A New Level Of Detail in Air Quality Analysis
Fertitech Canada is excited to announce our partnership with LifeAire Systems, which gives us the opportunity to bring an innovative air quality monitoring service to IVF clinics and laboratories across Canada. The Aire~Analysis program is a comprehensive assessment and reporting process designed to identify and mitigate potentially harmful sources of airborne contamination to reduce their interference with embryogenesis.
Air quality is a critical factor in the IVF process, but even the most stringent cleanroom standards can be susceptible to certain airborne threats. Traditional HEPA/ULPA/UV filtration systems and “closed” culturing environments may not fully protect against these contaminants, and traditional air quality monitoring programs may not provide information that is specific enough to be actionable. LifeAire’s Aire~Analysis program offers a comprehensive solution to this challenge.
The process begins with a preliminary examination of air quality using TO-15 canister testing. This method uses a negative pressure canister to capture a wide range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and can provide detailed information about the types and concentrations of contaminants present in the laboratory environment. Unlike traditional air quality assessments, which provide information about general room-scale VOC concentrations based on passive intake, the TO-15 canister testing can provide positional information about contamination sources, allowing for targeted remediation efforts, and information about which specific VOCs are present.
The Aire~Analysis program uses the unique EBTOX scoring system to quantify the toxicity of each VOC by comparing the measured concentration to published toxicity baselines. EBTOX scores take into account the affinity of the VOC to enter the culture, identifying the contaminants that pose the most significant risk to embryonic development. The combination of localized information and an assessment of which specific VOCs are present makes it possible to intervene more effectively, both by prioritizing the most damaging VOCs, and by identifying possible sources of contamination by their characteristic emissions.
Following the analysis, LifeAire provides a thorough and comprehensive report containing unique insights for specific VOCs. This report is designed to be both informative and actionable, guiding IVF programs in their efforts to remove embryotoxic pollutants from their laboratory environment. An example of a report of this type is available here. To further assist in understanding and addressing air quality issues, the Aire~Analysis program includes a personal Q&A session, during which laboratory staff can discuss the findings and recommendations with LifeAire’s experts. The process is designed to ensure a clear understanding of the steps needed to improve air quality and the IVF outcomes that depend on them.
Fertitech Canada is proud to partner with LifeAire Systems to bring their state-of-the-art Aire~Analysis program to IVF clinics across Canada. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to advancing reproductive health technologies and supporting the communities we serve. For more information about the air quality assessment and monitoring services we now offer in partnership with LifeAire, please contact us directly.