Activation of Indicator
To activate an indicator, place it on its flat end with pin pointing straight up, at or below -100°C for at least one hour. Remove indicator from the cold environment. After 20-30 seconds at room temperature, press pin against a hard flat surface until it becomes flush with the bottom of the indicator. You may experience difficulty pushing the pin in, if attempted prior to waiting 20-30 seconds. The indicators may also be activated using a channel lock pliers to force the pin flush with the bottom of the indicator. Upon activation the indicator should be returned immediately to a storage freezer or placed in the cryoenvironment to be monitored (which should be at or below -100°C) with the indicator on its side or in a vertical position with the pin end down.
Notes: Do not use extreme impact such as a hammer blow to activate the indicator as this can damage the activation mechanism. Always wear insulated gloves and adequate eye protection when handling frozen indicators. In addition to protecting against freeze burn, the insulated gloves prevent heat transfer which can cause the indicator to begin changing color immediately after activation.
Shelf-life and Storage of Indicators
Indicators, whether activated or not, should not be used after the expiration date which appears on the indicator label. (Indicators are shipped ~ 8 months prior to their expiration date.) Unactivated indicators may be stored at 15° to 30°C. Activated and unactivated indicators may be stored at or below -190°C. However, if using cold storage, do not bring the unactivated indicators back to room temperature prior to activation, since this fluctuation of temperature may prematurely activate the indicators.
Signal of Thermal Exposure
Unactivated indicators are green. Unexpired activated indicators remain green at -100°C. Unexpired activated indicators irreversibly change from green to red when exposed to temperatures above approximately -70°C. At room temperature (approximately 20° C), activated indicators will become red within five minutes. Note: M-70 indicators are not recommended for use with dry ice shipping or storage.
X-ray Irradiation Notice
Do not expose Cryoguard indicators to ionizing x-ray radiation. Exposure to ionizing x-rays will permanently deactivate the indicator, causing the indicator to lose its ability to signal thermal exposure. Indicators may still be used with irradiated products, after the products have been irradiated. X-Rays emitted from diagnostic and security scanners do not affect the indicators.
Size and Packaging
Indicators are sealed in a polycarbonate plastic housing approximately 1" long and 0.5" in diameter. The indicator housing contains eyelets for attachment of indicator to the monitored material. An alert label for affixing to containers monitored by the indicator is provided with each indicator. The alert label is a 1" x 4.25" bright orange peel and stick adhesive label.
Compatibility with Coolants
The indicator can be used in contact with dry ice, liquid nitrogen vapor phase, and with frozen materials in insulated containers and mechanical freezers.
Chemical Composition
Indicator solutions have an approximate volume of 1 ml. per unit and are comprised of buffered mixtures of aqueous dyes, alcohols, glycols and water.
Applications
This product signals thermal exposure of cryopreserved materials at or above -70°C. It allows recipients and users of perishable materials such as frozen blood plasma, stem cells, sperm and clinical samples to verify adequate maintenance of a cryoenvironment during transit and storage. Cryoguard™ M-70 Indicators also encourage careful handling of perishables, since personnel are warned of a monitored cryoenvironment by an alert label that is provided with each indicator. Cryoguard™ M-70 Thermal Exposure Indicators are recommended for monitoring environments at or below -100°C.
Pricing Information
Box of 10 | Box of 25 | Box of 50 |
| $115 | $240 | $460 |
