Jul 8 2013
Blood Cell Storage, Inc. (BCSI), a leading medical device provider based in Seattle, WA and ORIGIO a/s, a leader in delivering innovative Assisted Reproductive Technology solutions headquartered in Malov Denmark, announced a partnership today during the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
The two companies will collaborate on bringing new solutions for pH measurement to market to address current issues in monitoring for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The first product they will focus on is SAFE Sens IVM, a pH monitoring system used by clinical and research staff, that reports, trends and archives pH measurements without disturbing culture conditions within a closed incubator.
"Embryologists want to monitor pH within media to minimize pH drift and improve their success rates," said Jesper Funding Andersen, CEO, ORIGIO. "SAFE Sens is easy-to-use, lasts the entire cycle and provides validation to ensure that the system is working properly."
How SAFE Sens Works
The SAFE Sens (Sterile, Automated Fluoroscopic Evaluation) IVM (In Vessel Monitor) is an optical fluorescent measurement device. It is used in combination with a disposable sensor, to accurately and reliably measuring the pH of small volumes of fluids such as the media used in IVF. The sensor contains a proprietary fluorescent dye that is pH sensitive. Each lot of sterile sensors last 6 days and are pre-calibrated by the manufacturer. An ID code is used to tell the SAFE Sens IVM how to specifically interpret the fluorescent measurement for each lot of sensors into a pH value.
Since it is important to make sure that over time the SAFE Sens IVM continues to perform the optical fluorescent measurements properly, the SAFE Sens IVM has a Quality Control Standard. The SAFE Sens IVM measures the fluorescence and compares it to the known value and reports a number indicating the closeness of the measured and known values. When the value is outside of the acceptable bounds the SAFE Sens IVM will alert the user and automatically make an adjustment to bring the system back into control.
"We are excited to partner with Jesper and his world-class team," said Russ Aldrich, CEO, BCSI. "SAFE Sens has been adapted from our proven blood storage technology for use specifically in CO2 incubators. Because of this, IVF clinicians now have a highly reliable and significantly lower-priced way to monitor pH."
The SAFE technology is covered by multiple issued and pending US and International equivalent patents. Visit www.origio.com to learn more about SAFE Sens.
About ORIGIO
ORIGIO a/s is a world leader in delivering innovative Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) solutions that enhance the work of ART to the benefit of families. ORIGIO is headquartered in Malov, Denmark.
With 6 production facilities, 13 subsidiaries and many more distributors, ORIGIO has a strong presence worldwide with a broad product portfolio for the ART market and is highly reputed among opinion leaders and customers.
In June 2012, The Cooper Companies, Inc. operated through the business unit CooperSurgical acquired ORIGIO. CooperSurgical, a leader in women's healthcare products, shares the vision of delivering life-changing products to health care professionals. Cooper Companies is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. www.origio.com
About BCSI
Blood Cell Storage, Inc. (BCSI) www.bloodcellstorage.com is a privately held international medical device company based in Seattle, Washington, with European operations located in The Netherlands.
BCSI has created two unique product lines that benefit patients, clinicians, researchers, pathologists and doctors using patented technologies. Our fluorescent dyes, micro-fluidics, Nucleic Acid Extraction capabilities and automated systems reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. www.safesens.com
SAFE Sens is a trademark of BCSI. All other names or product names mentioned in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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Source: http://www.bloodcellstorage.com