i-STAT 1 at IVF Store - fast, practical blood gas testing for lab QC workflows
In an IVF lab, small shifts create big consequences.
pH drift, inconsistent CO2, incubator instability, media handling variation, or a workflow change that seems harmless can all show up downstream as performance questions. When something feels “off,” teams need a way to check fundamentals quickly, document what they see, and move forward with confidence.
That’s why we added the Abbott i-STAT 1 Analyzer to IVF Store.
The i-STAT 1 is a portable, cartridge-based blood analysis system built for point-of-care testing. It delivers results in minutes using disposable test cartridges and a very small sample volume.
Why IVF labs consider i-STAT 1
Many embryology teams want a fast, repeatable way to spot-check key parameters tied to gas balance and acid-base status. In practice, the i-STAT platform is often evaluated as part of an internal QC toolkit for:
Routine verification checks when onboarding new equipment or consumables
Rapid troubleshooting when results or culture behavior change unexpectedly
Documentation support during investigations (incubator events, gas supply work, maintenance, transport, etc.)
Training consistency across multiple staff and shifts
It is also simple to deploy. It is handheld, portable, and designed to run single-use cartridges with minimal setup.
How the i-STAT 1 system works
The i-STAT System uses a handheld analyzer paired with individual cartridges. Each cartridge contains sensors for a specific test panel, and the analyzer reads and reports results in minutes.
For IVF Store customers, the most commonly discussed cartridges are:
i-STAT G3+ (White): includes pH, PCO2, PO2, TCO2, HCO3, base excess (BE), and sO2
i-STAT CG4+ (White): similar blood gas panel with lactate included (commonly paired with G3+ depending on workflow)
These cartridges are widely used clinically for blood gas testing and rapid decision support.
Important regulatory note for IVF labs
The i-STAT 1 Analyzer and its cartridges are in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use with human whole blood samples as described in Abbott’s labeling. If an IVF or andrology lab uses the system for any other matrix or application, that use is off-label. Labs are responsible for validating, documenting, and controlling any such alternative application within their own quality system.
How IVF Store supports i-STAT customers
IVF Store is built around service, selection, and convenience for professional labs. With i-STAT, that means:
One place to source the analyzer and the cartridges you are standardizing on
A lab-first ordering experience with fast response when you need help finding the right configuration
Support for teams building a broader QC ecosystem across CO2, O2, temperature, and workflow controls (Everything IVF, without forcing you into one brand or one approach)
If you are building out a QC program (or tightening one), i-STAT can be a practical piece of that toolkit: portable, quick to run, and easy to keep close to the bench.
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