A neonatal incubator is a closed medical device that consists of a transparent lid that allows the patient to be isolated without losing eye contact with him to provide an environment with pre-set temperatures and conditions conducive to neonatal development (premature, full-term or sick). Ideally, core temperature and body temperature should be maintained with minimal variation.

Most incubators provide heat to the infant through the flow of hot air, which is transferred primarily through convection. The heating and humidification system is located below the incubator compartment. Air circulation is achieved by a fan or turbine that draws air from the outside and passes it through the heating element and temperature measuring device before pushing it through a tank of water used to humidify the air (if needed) It enters the room where the patient is located.

The incubator also has a heating element or heating unit activated by an electrical signal that is proportional to the difference between the measured temperature and a reference value preset by the operator.

How do these equipments carry out temperature control?

The temperature control can be carried out in two modes:

Air temperature control mode:

The operator sets the control temperature value of the air inside the incubator. The heating system will work to bring the room temperature to the reference value. Normally, the operator can monitor and display the reference temperature inside the incubator and in the patient.

If the incubator control system detects differences between the control temperature and the chamber air temperature and these differences exceed the preset range (by the same operator), an audible and visual alarm is triggered. In some extreme cases, the heating system is disabled as a safety mechanism.

Temperature control mode of the patient’s skin or servo-controlled:

The operator sets the reference value for the desired temperature of the newborn. In this way, the heating system will keep running until the patient reaches the desired temperature set by the operator or the equilibrium temperature. To do this, the neonatal incubator needs to continuously measure the actual body temperature of the patient, which is achieved by placing a body temperature sensor.

How are incubators classified?

Incubators are classified into the following groups:

Stationary incubators

In this group are incubators located in emergency, intensive care, intermediate care and respite care areas as well as those that may be assigned to physiological care areas.

Transfer incubators

Transfer incubators, as the name implies, are devices used to transport infants within or outside of the medical unit. Said transport may be by land or by air.

These incubators must:

- Operate on AC, DC, and/or batteries.

- Have the necessary requirements for a structure capable of being transported in the air and on land.

- Be protected from vibration and external noise.

- Limit electromagnetic radiation so as not to interfere with air transportation.

Incubators / Radiant Heat Units

Some devices combine the thermal capabilities of a neonatal incubator with the advantages of a radiant heat device in terms of ease of access to the patient. These types of devices have temperature, oxygenation and humidity control of the air, as well as the patient's skin temperature, both in the neonatal incubator mode and in the radiant heat unit mode. The transition between configurations is automatic, eliminating the need to transfer patients between the incubator and the radiant heat unit.

At AEGEA, we offer excellent neonatal incubators. That's why we invite you to check out our available equipment here.