HRI Home > Equine > Equitainer > The Equitainer Components |
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The Equitainer ComponentsWhile the insulation and physical protection offered by the Equitainer itself are important, the components used in the Equitainer are critical for optimal cooling and maintenance of the sample. Proper storage and usage of the Equitainer components are required and substitutes should not be used. Discount Equitainer I Packs and Equitainer II Packs, which contain all required components, may also be purchased. Packs are available with either the tube style or cup style Isothermalizer.
Tube Style Isothermalizer with Built-In X-Ray Proetction
The Isothermalizer provides crucial temperature control.The Isothermalizer is the core of the Equitainer system and cools the semen at a precisely controlled rate to predetermined degree and maintains that temperature for up to 70 hours. The Isothermalizer begins its cooling process as soon as the specimen is loaded, which permits the semen to be packaged right after collection and allows immediate shipment. Finally - no more ballast bags! Instead of WhirlPak® or baby bottle liners, the new Isothermalizer uses 50 ml Centrifuge Tubes to hold the semen sample. These Centrifuge Tubes fit snugly into Isothermalizer wells, eliminating the need for Ballast Bags. The Isothermalizer consists of:
For complete x-ray protection in the Equitainer II, the lead-lined Isothermalizer cover must be used. Storage: The Isothermalizer and cover may be stored either at room temperature or in an incubator at 37°C prior to use. Usage: The Isothermalizer is loaded with the Centrifuge Tubes containing the sample. BOTH ISOTHERMALIZER WELLS MUST BE FILLED WITH A CENTRIFUGE TUBE CONTAINING EITHER SEMEN OR WATER TO ACHIEVE THE PROPER COOLING RATE. The loaded Isothermalizer is then placed on top of the Freezer Can(s). Recommended Replacement: The Isothermalizer does not need to be replaced on a regular basis. HRI will also repair Isothermalizers for a small fee. Please call or write for details. Return to Top
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Cup Style Isothermalizer with X-Ray Protection Cup Style Isothermalizer: $79.00 |
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The Isothermalizer is equipped with a heavy lead shielding that completely surrounds the specimen, providing unmatched protection against the powerful x-rays being used to inspect cargo at airports. While thin lead pouches offer protection only at low x-ray levels, the heavy lead shield lining the Isothermalizer and cover withstands the powerful x-ray machine at airport cargo terminals. For complete x-ray protection in the Equitainer II, the lead-lined Isothermalizer cover must be used.
Storage: The Isothermalizer and cover may be stored either at room temperature or in an incubator at 37°C prior to use.
Usage: The Isothermalizer is loaded with the Specimen Cup containing the sample and Ballast Bags and capped with the lead-shielded cover. The loaded Isothermalizer is then placed on top of the Freezer Can(s).
Recommended Replacement: The Isothermalizer does not need to be replaced on a regular basis. HRI will also repair Isothermalizers for a small fee. Please call or write for details.
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Optional Lead-Lined Isothermalizer Cover
for Equitainer II
Lead-lined Isothermalizer Cover: $21.50 |
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If you need full x-ray protection in the Equitainer II, the lead line Isothermalizer cover is required.
Not required for Equitainer I.
Freezer Cans
Freezer Cans : $13.00 |
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The Freezer Cans provide the cooling power of the Equitainer system.
Note: Due to airline restrictions regarding shipment of certain types of coolants in passenger carrying aircrafts, we have changed the name of the cooling units from "Coolant Cans" to "Freezer Cans."
The Freezer Cans contain the exact amount of non-toxic, non-flammable coolant required to cool the sample at a precise rate and maintain the internal temperature for sperm survival. Depending upon the type of Equitainer used, either one or two frozen Freezer Cans are placed at the bottom of the well.
Storage: The Freezer Cans must be stored upside-down in a deep freeze at least 24 hours prior to use. If a deep freeze is not available, the Freezer Cans may be placed in a regular freezer for 48 hours, however, some standard freezers may not provide proper freezing.
Usage: Once the Isothermalizer is properly loaded with the sample, remove the Freezer Cans from the freezer and place right side-up in the ziplock plastic bag and insert bag into well of the Equitainer. For the Equitainer I, use two Freezer Cans. For the Equitainer II and III, use one Freezer Can.
Recommended Replacement: The Freezer Cans contain a precise amount of liquid. Freezer Cans should be weighed on receipt to determine the original weight and then weighed periodically to determine if replacement is necessary. Depending on the number of freeze-thaw cycles, the Freezer Can solution will gradually evaporate. If the cans lose more than 10% of their original weight, they should be replaced. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to replace Freezer Cans every year or so, especially if they show signs of deterioration.
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Centrifuge Tubes
Centrifuges Tubes (Pack of 25): $32.00 |
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The Centrifuge Tubes hold the extended semen dose. The Centrifuge Tubes fit precisely into the Isothermalizer. Most standard 50 ml polyproylene Centrifuge Tubes can be used.
Storage: The Centrifuge Tubes should be stored in an incubator at 37°C.
Usage: The Centrifuge Tubes must be filled to the top with either extended semen or water ballast. The filled tubes are then inserted into the two wells of the tube style Isothermalizer.
Recommended Replacement: New Centrifuge Tubes should be used to hold the extended semen dose. The Centrifuge Tubes may be washed and reused for water ballast.
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Ballast Bags
Ballast Bags (Set of 4) : $12.00 |
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The Ballast Bags are used to maintain the correct thermal regime by creating 360° contact with the inside surface of the Isothermalizer.
Each Ballast Bag contains 60 ml of protective fluid marked with a dark blue dye. The total volume in the Isothermalizer should be between 120 ml and 170 ml, including the sample packet and the ballast bags. The number of Ballast Bags to use depends on the total amount of semen shipped.
- If 40 ml of semen is shipped, use two Ballast Bags.
- If 80 ml of semen is shipped, use 1 Ballast Bag.
- If 120 ml - 170 ml of semen is shipped, the Ballast Bags may be omitted.
Storage: The Ballast Bags must be stored in an incubator at 37°C. (During the non-breeding season, the bags may be stored at room temperature to limit evaporation.)
Usage: Using the guide above, wrap the Ballast Bags around the specimen packet, place in the Sterile Cup and cover. The Sterile Cup is then placed into the cup style Isothermalizer. NOTE: These bags are not for insemination!
Recommended Replacement: Storage in the incubator will cause the protective liquid in the Ballast Bag to gradually evaporate. If you notice the volume in the Ballast Bag lessening, if the bag leaks or if it begins to feel brittle, the Ballast Bag should be replaced. Once again, a good rule of thumb is to replace the Ballast Bags every year or so.
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Sterile Cup
Sterile Cups (Set of 5) : $17.25 |
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The Sterile Cup holds and protects the specimen and Ballast Bags. The Sterile Cups fit precisely into the cup style Isothermalizer. The Sterile Cup has the precise diameter needed to achieve exact thermal transfer and should not be substituted.
Storage: The Sterile Cups should be stored in an incubator at 37°C.
Usage: The specimen wrapped in Ballast Bags is placed in the Sterile Cup, which is then covered. The loaded Sterile Cup is inserted into the Isothermalizer and pressed firmly into place. The Sterile Cups should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly upon return.
The Sterile Cups may also be used to freeze extender. Only new Sterile Cups should be used for this purpose. However, once the extender has been used, the cups may be washed with warm, soapy water, rinsed thoroughly and used inside the Equitainer (sterility is not required since the semen does not come in direct contact with the cup.)
Recommended Replacement: The Sterile Cups should be replaced as needed.