All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse
PHCbi Cell-IQ Series MCO-170AICUVHL-PA CO₂ Laboratory Incubator
Maintaining healthy cell cultures requires more than simply reaching 37°C and 5% CO₂. Every door opening, environmental fluctuation, or contamination event has the potential to compromise weeks of research. The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series MCO-170AICUVHL-PA CO₂ Incubator was developed to address these challenges by combining precise environmental control with multiple layers of contamination prevention, creating a stable incubation environment for demanding cell culture applications. Its advanced heating system, dual infrared CO₂ sensor, copper-enriched chamber, and integrated decontamination technologies help laboratories achieve consistent, reproducible results while minimizing downtime.
Offering approximately 170 liters (6.0 cu. ft.) of chamber capacity, the MCO-170AICUVHL-PA is an excellent choice for research laboratories that require premium incubation performance without the footprint of a larger production incubator. Whether supporting stem cell research, regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical development, cancer biology, or routine mammalian cell culture, this Cell-IQ incubator provides the environmental stability required for sensitive biological samples. Purchasing a refurbished PHCbi Cell-IQ incubator from American Instrument Exchange allows laboratories to acquire one of the industry's premier CO₂ incubators at significant savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Key Features
Approximately 170 L (6.0 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Cell culture laboratories frequently balance two competing priorities: maximizing productivity while minimizing contamination risk. The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series addresses both by combining highly stable environmental control with several independent contamination-control technologies that operate continuously during routine laboratory use.
The approximately 170-liter chamber provides sufficient capacity for most research laboratories while maintaining rapid recovery after door openings. This allows researchers to access cultures throughout the day without creating prolonged temperature or CO₂ fluctuations that can affect media pH, cellular metabolism, or experimental reproducibility.
The incubator is particularly well suited for laboratories maintaining valuable stem cell lines, primary cells, organoids, engineered tissues, hybridomas, and other sensitive cultures where environmental consistency directly influences experimental success.
Many laboratories integrate a Cell-IQ incubator into a complete cell culture workflow that includes biosafety cabinets for sterile sample handling, laboratory centrifuges for cell harvesting, laboratory refrigerators for media storage, and ultra-low temperature freezers for long-term preservation of valuable cell banks.
Common Applications
The PHCbi MCO-170AICUVHL-PA is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cell and gene therapy
Tissue engineering
Regenerative medicine
Cancer biology
Organoid culture
Hybridoma production
Vaccine research
Pharmaceutical drug discovery
Biotechnology process development
Clinical laboratory research
Academic life science research
Its combination of stable environmental control and advanced contamination prevention makes it especially valuable for long-term cell culture experiments and laboratories working with irreplaceable biological materials.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Cell-IQ Series incubator is widely used in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, academic research institutions, hospital research laboratories, contract research organizations, government laboratories, and regenerative medicine facilities. Its moderate chamber capacity makes it particularly attractive for individual research groups, core laboratory facilities, and growing biotechnology companies that require premium incubation performance while efficiently utilizing available laboratory space.
The stackable design also allows laboratories to increase incubation capacity as research programs expand without significantly increasing floor space requirements.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
Successful cell culture depends on maintaining consistent environmental conditions throughout the incubation chamber. Even small variations in temperature, humidity, or carbon dioxide concentration can influence cell growth, alter media pH, and reduce experimental reproducibility.
The MCO-170AICUVHL-PA utilizes PHCbi's Direct Heat & Air Jacket heating system to promote exceptional temperature uniformity while allowing rapid recovery following routine door openings. Operating across a temperature range of ambient +5°C to 50°C, the incubator maintains highly stable chamber conditions while minimizing temperature gradients from top to bottom.
Carbon dioxide levels are regulated by a dual infrared sensor that provides highly accurate measurement without being significantly affected by chamber humidity. This allows rapid restoration of the programmed CO₂ concentration following door openings while minimizing overshoot and helping maintain consistent culture media pH throughout extended incubation periods. Natural evaporation humidity further supports healthy cell growth by maintaining high relative humidity while reducing media evaporation.
Contamination Control
One of the defining characteristics of the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series is its multi-level approach to contamination prevention. Rather than depending on a single sterilization cycle, the incubator continuously combines passive and active contamination-control technologies to create a cleaner culture environment.
The chamber and shelves are constructed from InCu-saFe copper-enriched stainless steel, which combines the durability and corrosion resistance of stainless steel with the natural antimicrobial properties of copper. This provides continuous passive protection against microbial contamination while maintaining a smooth surface that is easy to clean and resistant to long-term laboratory use.
The SafeCell UV system continuously disinfects circulating chamber air and the humidity reservoir without exposing cultured cells directly to ultraviolet light. For laboratories requiring an even higher level of decontamination, the incubator is compatible with an optional hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination system that can rapidly sanitize the chamber between research projects or after contamination events. Together, these technologies provide multiple independent layers of contamination protection while reducing routine maintenance requirements and helping safeguard valuable biological samples.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series MCO-170AICUVHL-PA is designed to accommodate a wide variety of cell culture vessels while maintaining consistent environmental conditions throughout the chamber. Its approximately 170-liter capacity provides ample space for T-flasks, tissue culture dishes, multiwell plates, suspension cultures, spinner flasks, roller bottles, organoid cultures, and tissue engineering applications.
The adjustable shelving system allows researchers to configure the chamber for changing laboratory needs while maintaining unrestricted airflow around each culture vessel. Proper spacing between flasks and plates promotes uniform temperature, humidity, and CO₂ distribution, helping ensure that cultures on every shelf experience consistent incubation conditions.
Many laboratories dedicate individual shelves to specific investigators, research projects, or valuable cell lines. This organization helps minimize unnecessary door openings, reduces sample handling, and lowers the potential for accidental cross-contamination between unrelated experiments. For laboratories maintaining long-term cultures, organizing samples in this way can also improve workflow efficiency and reduce disruptions during routine laboratory activities.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series is engineered for continuous operation in demanding research environments while maintaining efficient energy consumption. Its Direct Heat & Air Jacket heating system transfers heat efficiently throughout the chamber without the added complexity of a traditional water-jacketed incubator, allowing rapid warm-up and stable temperature control while helping reduce operating costs.
The dual infrared CO₂ sensor contributes to efficient gas usage by maintaining highly accurate CO₂ concentrations with minimal overshoot following door openings. Because infrared sensing is largely unaffected by chamber humidity, fewer corrective adjustments are required to maintain the programmed atmosphere, reducing unnecessary CO₂ consumption over extended periods of operation.
The natural evaporation humidity system eliminates the need for steam generators or other complex humidity systems while maintaining high relative humidity for cell culture applications. Combined with the corrosion-resistant InCu-saFe chamber and integrated UV contamination-control system, the incubator requires relatively little routine maintenance, allowing laboratories to focus more time on research and less on equipment upkeep.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
PHCbi
Model
Cell-IQ Series MCO-170AICUVHL-PA
American Instrument Exchange SKU
3197S INC
Incubator Type
Direct Heat & Air Jacket CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 170 L (6.0 cu. ft.)
Chamber Material
InCu-saFe Copper-Enriched Stainless Steel
Exterior Construction
Painted Steel
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 50°C
Temperature Uniformity
±0.25°C at 37°C
Temperature Stability
±0.1°C
Heating System
Direct Heat & Air Jacket
CO₂ Control Range
0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Dual Infrared (IR2)
Relative Humidity
Approximately 95% RH at 37°C
Humidity System
Natural Evaporation
Contamination Control
SafeCell UV System
Optional Decontamination
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor Cycle Compatible
Interior Dimensions
Approximately 19.4" W × 20.0" D × 29.8" H
Exterior Dimensions
Approximately 25.6" W × 28.0" D × 35.8" H
Standard Shelves
3
Maximum Shelf Capacity
Up to 10 shelves
Shelf Material
Stainless Steel
Interior Door
Heated Glass
Display
Color LCD Touchscreen
Data Logging
USB
Alarm System
Audible and Visual
Remote Alarm Output
Yes
Electrical Requirements
120 V, 60 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption
Approximately 370 W
Net Weight
Approximately 180 lb (82 kg)
Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series from conventional CO₂ incubators?
The Cell-IQ Series combines multiple contamination-control technologies—including an InCu-saFe copper-enriched stainless steel chamber, SafeCell UV air treatment, dual infrared CO₂ sensing, and rapid environmental recovery—to provide a highly stable incubation environment for sensitive cell culture applications.
What types of research is this incubator best suited for?
The MCO-170AICUVHL-PA is well suited for stem cell research, primary cell culture, regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical development, cancer biology, tissue engineering, organoid research, vaccine development, and other applications requiring highly reproducible incubation conditions.
Why does this incubator use a dual infrared CO₂ sensor?
Dual infrared sensors provide highly accurate CO₂ measurement that is largely unaffected by chamber humidity. This allows rapid recovery after door openings while maintaining stable media pH and minimizing environmental fluctuations that could affect sensitive cell cultures.
How does the SafeCell UV system help reduce contamination?
The SafeCell UV system continuously disinfects circulating chamber air and the humidity reservoir, helping reduce microbial contamination between routine cleaning cycles. Because cultured samples are not directly exposed to ultraviolet light, normal incubation conditions are maintained while contamination risk is reduced.
What are the benefits of the InCu-saFe chamber?
The InCu-saFe chamber combines the corrosion resistance of stainless steel with the natural antimicrobial properties of copper. This provides continuous passive protection against microbial contamination while maintaining a durable, easy-to-clean interior designed for long-term laboratory use.
Can this incubator support multiple users within a shared laboratory?
Yes. The adjustable shelving system and generous chamber capacity allow multiple investigators to organize cultures by project or research group while maintaining consistent environmental conditions throughout the chamber. This makes the incubator well suited for shared core facilities and collaborative research laboratories.
Is the MCO-170AICUVHL-PA appropriate for long-term cell culture?
Absolutely. Stable temperature regulation, rapid CO₂ recovery, high humidity, and multiple contamination-control systems make the incubator an excellent choice for long-term maintenance of valuable cell lines, stem cells, and other sensitive biological samples.
Why purchase a refurbished PHCbi Cell-IQ Series incubator from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished PHCbi Cell-IQ incubator from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium CO₂ incubation platform at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, giving laboratories confidence that the instrument is ready to support demanding research applications.
CLICK HEREto see the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series MCO-170AICUVHL-PA CO2 Cell Culture Incubator on our YouTube channel
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished CO₂ Laboratory Incubators Ensure Atmosphere Control, Temperature Accuracy, and Regulatory Compliance
At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished CO₂ incubators undergo a multi-step testing and calibration process. These procedures are designed to ensure precise environmental control, microbial safety, and long-term reliability—critical for cell culture, IVF, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical R&D applications.
Why Testing Used CO₂ Incubators Is Essential
Before a CO₂ incubator is redeployed into a laboratory, it must be thoroughly tested for:
• CO₂ sensor accuracy and gas concentration control
• Temperature uniformity and stability
• Humidity system function
• HEPA filtration and contamination control
• Electrical and safety compliance
Proper testing ensures viable growth environments for sensitive cultures and prevents costly contamination or culture loss in high-stakes lab environments.
Our standardized refurbishment protocol ensures used CO₂ incubators deliver laboratory grade performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable new units.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used CO₂ Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect the exterior for corrosion, dents, or door alignment issues
• Check door gasket integrity and hinge function
• Verify presence and condition of internal shelves, water pans, and humidity trays
• Examine power cords, gas connectors, and display interfaces for signs of wear
2. Functional Startup Test
• Power on the unit and check for successful system boot
• Verify touchscreen or keypad response, and test all user-programmable settings
• Check door alarms and temperature/CO₂ alerts
3. Temperature Control and Uniformity Testing
• Use temperature probes to verify internal temperature accuracy
• Monitor temperature uniformity across multiple chamber zones
• Ensure fast recovery times after door openings
4. CO₂ Sensor Testing and Gas Delivery System Test
• Test accuracy of infrared (IR) or thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensors using certified reference gas and probes/Fyrite analyzers
• Test inlet pressure regulators and gas flow control systems
• Confirm stable CO₂ levels at multiple setpoints (e.g., 5%, 10%)
• Check for proper mixing and diffusion throughout the chamber
5. Humidity and Contamination Control Testing
• Test humidity generation (via water pan or active system) and verify chamber RH levels
• Inspect HEPA filters (if equipped) and airflow systems for particulate control
• Sanitize interior and confirm antimicrobial coatings or copper components are intact
6. Electrical Safety and Compliance Check
• Ensure proper grounding and insulation of all electrical components
• Perform leak and continuity testing
• Verify the unit meets electrical safety standards for laboratory environments
7. Final Quality Assurance and Performance Validation
• Run a 24-hour performance cycle with monitored CO₂, temperature, and RH
• Document data and final readings
• Complete service report
All refurbished CO₂ incubators sold by American Instrument Exchange are tested to meet the performance demands of today's advanced laboratory workflows—ensuring safety, precision, and peace of mind with every unit.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.
Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies
4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions
5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified
6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
