Types of Incubators and Stability Chambers

Before diving into the qualification process, it’s essential to understand the different types of incubators commonly used in laboratories and their specific purposes.

CO2 incubators are typically used for cell culture applications that require controlled CO2 levels, maintaining precise CO2 concentration, temperature, and humidity to create an optimal environment for cell growth.

Bacteriological incubators are designed for the cultivation of bacteria and other microorganisms, providing a stable temperature environment without CO2 control. Other types include BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) incubators, which maintain low temperatures for microbial activity, and shaker incubators, which combine incubation with shaking to promote the growth of cell cultures.

In addition to incubators, stability chambers play a crucial role in stability testing, ensuring that products remain safe and effective throughout their shelf life. These chambers generally come in two sizes: reach-in chambers and walk-in chambers. Reach-in chambers are compact, cost-effective, and suitable for smaller scale stability studies, featuring shelves for sample storage. Walk-in chambers, on the other hand, are larger and designed for extensive sample storage, making them ideal for long-term studies where conditions remain constant. Both types of chambers are essential for maintaining precise control and accuracy in stability testing.