Inkubaattoria

Inkubaattoria is a Finnish term that translates to incubator in English. It refers to a device used to maintain optimal environmental conditions for the growth and development of various organisms, most commonly in biological and medical contexts.

In medicine, incubators are primarily used for premature infants. These specialized environments provide controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels, mimicking the conditions of the womb. This helps premature babies regulate their body temperature, protect against infection, and gain weight. They often feature transparent walls for observation and ports for medical staff to access the infant without disturbing the internal environment.

Beyond neonatology, incubators are widely used in laboratories for cultivating microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and cell cultures. These incubators maintain precise temperatures and atmospheric conditions necessary for the growth of these biological samples. Different types of incubators exist for specific applications, including CO2 incubators which control carbon dioxide levels for cell culture, and shaking incubators which agitate cultures for aeration and uniform growth. The principle remains the same: to create a stable and controlled setting conducive to biological processes.