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Tuesday, 13 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Tech & Science
TMC expert David Kachala explains why vibration isolation is critical for precise IVF procedures and laboratory outcomes.
David Kachala, Technical Service Manager at TMC Vibration Control, emphasizes that environmental stability in IVF laboratories extends beyond temperature and humidity to include rigorous vibration management. His career began at CooperSurgical while he completed a business degree at night through the UConn School of Business. He progressed through six roles, moving from cleanroom quality auditing and Class III medical device support into the IVF sector.
Kachala later led technical services teams at another IVF-focused company, leveraging his background in controlled environments. He notes that IVF labs require strict regulation not just for compliance but to ensure strong patient outcomes. While factors like gas mixtures and air quality are vital, vibration isolation remains equally critical for preventing contamination and ensuring cell growth.
Common vibration sources often go unnoticed by clinic staff. These can range from building hums and elevator operations to subway trains running beneath the structure or dance studios located upstairs. Even slamming doors contribute to environmental instability that affects sensitive procedures.
At the microscopic level, human sperm cells measure approximately 3 microns wide, or 0.003 millimeters. During Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), micropipettes inject sperm directly into oocytes using micromanipulators under magnification of 400× or more. Small vibrations cause pipettes to jump within the field of view or shift samples within Petri dishes, making reliable execution difficult without isolation.
Microscopes and micromanipulation setups are the most vulnerable instruments. High magnification amplifies visible effects, potentially causing user dizziness and complicating focal plane confirmation. Locating samples becomes challenging when equipment shakes, disrupting precise procedural movements required for fertilization and embryo assessment.
Scientific evidence linking laboratory vibration to specific outcomes like embryo development and fertilization rates still contains significant gaps. The IVF industry remains relatively young, and advanced research faces ongoing challenges. However, vibration mitigation plays a critical role whenever precise motion is needed for biopsies, high-resolution imaging, or higher-risk cultures.
Clinics often struggle to judge vibration severity until observing effects under high magnification. Feeling vibration beneath one’s feet does not indicate its impact on in vitro procedures. A vibration site survey provides quantifiable data on present levels, helping identify concerns as end users work with ultra-high magnification systems.
Once identified, meaningful building design changes are often too late unless addressed before construction completion. Solutions depend on vibration characteristics; placing equipment near corners may offer modest improvement by avoiding flexible central floor areas. Passive isolation works for some sites, while IVF research laboratories may prefer full active cancellation to remove vibration variables entirely.
Kachala recalls cases where passive isolation failed despite initial expectations, requiring replacement with active cancellation systems. He advises realistic planning, noting that modest cost savings today can lead to persistent challenges and greater expenses later. If future development involving cranes or increased traffic is likely, choosing an active system from the outset is recommended.
As IVF techniques and automation technologies evolve, requirements for vibration control will increase. Advanced precision instruments need sophisticated cancellation solutions. Kachala recommends keeping vibration control separate from automated equipment rather than integrating it directly, providing greater flexibility. Planning for greater needs today avoids investing in solutions twice.
About David Kachala: He brings nearly 15 years of experience supporting IVF laboratories and technical service teams. His foundation includes roles in clean-room quality auditing and specialized technical service within the IVF field.
About TMC Vibration Control: TMC is a global leader in precision floor vibration isolation systems with over 50 years of experience. The company serves major research centers, semiconductor manufacturers, and nanotechnology labs across all seven continents. Its product line ranges from isolated microscope bases to active vibration cancellation systems featuring piezoelectric actuators. TMC also offers active magnetic field cancellation and acoustic noise isolation enclosures. Systems are designed and manufactured at the vertically integrated factory in Peabody, Massachusetts, which is ISO 9001:2015 certified. TMC is a unit of AMETEK Ultra Precision Technologies, a division of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with annualized sales of approximately $5 billion.
