Kit contents
The HydraPack kit comprises of the following components:
A - Sterile alcohol wipes (6 packets)
B - Sterile water (6 bottles)
C - Humidity pads (12 pads)
Installation
Note - All steps below should be conducted with proper gloves and ideally inside a biosafety hood for additional sterility. Information shown below is only for demonstration.
Clean CultureTray - see CultureTray
- Obtain a CultureTray desired to be loaded (not provided with kit) and a single sterile alcohol wipe
- Tear open the sterile wipe packet
- Clean the top of the CultureTray
- Clean the bottom of the CultureTray
Wet the humidity pad
- Obtain a humidity pad and single sterile water bottle from the kit and place next to the cleaned CultureTray
- Note - Up to two (2) humidity pads may be used for longer duration humidity maintenance
- Twist and break the sterile water bottle at the neck
- Squeeze the water into the humidity pad/s
- Allow the humidity pads to distribute the moisture till wet
Load the wetted humidity pads into CultureON - see CultureON
- Insert the wetted pads at the center of the CultureON incubation chamber, where they will remain below the CultureTray
- Note - The CultureTray will be placed above the humidity pads in the next step
Load the CultureTray into the incubator
- Place a culture dish / well plate (with media and biological samples) into the frame provided on the top of the CultureTray
- Using the small handles provided on the top of the CultureTray, gently place the tray into the incubator chamber
- Note - Ensure that the CultureTray sits flat in the chamber, on top of the humidity pads
- Gently but firmly close the incubator
Usage
Frequency of kit usage
When the incubator system is not in use (Powered OFF or stored away) for prolonged periods of time (>1 week), it is best to remove and discard the loaded humidity pads.
When the incubator system is in regular use, monitor the stabilized humidity levels and replace when the humidity levels fall below 10% of a freshly loaded humidity kit. For instance, if a new kit stabilizes at 90% humidity levels, replace the wicks when the humidity levels stabilize at only 80%.
Discard used components
All used parts and packages can be safely discarded in regular lab waste bins. Do not reuse a previously opened packet or bottle to maintain sterility.
Troubleshooting
Humidity levels not increasing
Check that the humidity pad/s were properly wetted and remain installed in the CultureTray prior to load into the incubator
Replace the kit and monitor the humidity levels in a closed incubator over a few hours (without cultures)
Contact 37degrees, Inc. via contact page if issue persists
Humidity levels below desired levels
While not recommended, it is possible to add additional un-restricted humidity pads (>2 pads) around the culture dish if space permits.
Contact 37degrees, Inc. via contact page if issue persists