Frequently Asked Questions: MycoFog Biodecontamination System
This Frequently Asked Questions document was created to help answer some of the most asked questions by people newer to MycoFog.
1. What is MycoFogâ„¢?
MycoFog® is an advanced biodecontamination system that uses hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) fogging to eliminate microbial contamination from incubators, workstations, and other enclosed spaces.
2. What reagents can I use with MycoFogâ„¢?
- MycoFog® H2O2 reagents (our approved reagent for optimal performance):-
| MycoFog® reagent, 4 bottles + 4 wicks. For incubators <200L |
MFR-1Bx-K |
| MycoFog® reagent, 4 bottles + 4 wicks. For incubators >200L and <350L |
MFR-2Bx-K |
| MycoFog® reagent, 2 bottles + 2 wicks. For incubators >350L and <500L |
MFR-3Bx-K |
| MycoFog® reagent, 2 bottles + 2 wicks. For incubators >500L and <700L. |
MFR-4Bx-K |
| MycoFog® reagent, 2 bottles + 2 wicks. For incubators >700L and <1000L. |
MFR-5Bx-K |
| MycoFog® reagent, 2 bottles + 2 wicks. For incubators >1000L and <1200L. |
MFR-6Bx-K |
3. How often should I perform a MycoFogâ„¢ decontamination cycle?
For optimal contamination control, we recommend performing a MycoFogâ„¢ cycle once per month per incubator.
 4. How do I prepare MycoFogâ„¢ for a decontamination cycle?Â
- Ensure your Incubator is clean! The MycoFog® biodecontamination process complements cleaning but does not replace cleaning. Please consult your incubator operating manual for the manufacturer’s cleaning protocol
- Ensure the incubator is empty (remove cultures, labware, and water pans).
- Set the temperature to 45°C (or use the 37°C protocol for 4 hours).
- Disable gas control (COâ‚‚ and humidity settings).
- Place MycoFog® on the at mid-level inside the incubator for optimal fog distribution.
- Press the function button to start the cycle.
 5. How long does the MycoFog cycle take?
- Standard Cycle: 180 minutes at 45°C
- 37°C Protocol: 4 hours for <200L chambers, 5 hours for larger chambers
 6. Can I use MycoFog™ in large incubators?
- Yes! There are 2 Instrument models of MycoFog®
- Model MF-2D for Incubators up to <500L internal volume
- Model MF-500D for Incubators >500L but <1200L internal volume
- MycoFog® reagents come in 6 different pack sizes, each reagent formulation is designed for a size of Incubator/Glovebox/Workstation:
- Take care to order the correct MycoFog® Reagent pack for your Instrument
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| MycoFog® |
Incubator or Workstation to be decontaminated- Internal Vol (L) |
MycoFog® Instrument needed |
MycoFog® Reagent Kit Product code needed |
MycoFog® Starter Kit needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <200L | MF-2D | MF-1Bx-K | MF-2D-SK-1Bx | |
| >200L <350L | MF-2Bx-K | MF-2D-SK-2Bx | ||
| >350L <500L | MF-2Bx-K | MF-2D-SK-3Bx | ||
| >500 <700L | MF-500D | MFR-4Bx-K | MF-500D-SK-4Bx | |
| >700 < 1000L | MFR-5Bx-K | MF-500D-SK-5Bx | ||
| >1000L <1200 L |
MFR-6Bx-K | MF-500D-SK-6Bx |
 7. What is the recommended relative humidity before starting a cycle?
- MycoFog™ works best when the incubator’s starting relative humidity is ambient.
- Turn off (active) or remove (passive) humidification functions
- The device achieves proper humidity during the cycle.
 8. Can I use MycoFog™ in an incubator that contains powered electronics?
Yes MycoFog™ has been tested with electronic devices such as the Etaluma Lumascope and the Sartorius Incucyte which perform normally after repeated decontamination cycles.
 9. MycoFog® Instruments now come with a delayed start function
The new D-series MycoFog® instruments (MF-2D and MF-500D) include two key safety enhancements:
- Press + Hold to Initiate: Instead of a short press, the decontamination cycle now requires a 1.5-second hold on the function button. This reduces the chance of inadvertently starting vaporization.
- 12-Second Delayed Start: After initiating the cycle, the instrument waits 12 seconds before Hâ‚‚Oâ‚‚ vaporization begins. The indicator light flashes slowly for 7 seconds, then rapidly for 5 seconds, and only then does fogging start. This gives users extra time to close both inner and outer incubator doors and reduces any risk of exposure to hydrogen peroxide vapor at the start of the cycle.
 10. My MycoFog™ instrument is not producing enough spray. What should I do?
- Check the Wick: Remove wick ensure it is fully saturated and reseat wick. Ensure wick holder is seated properly.
- Check the Reagent: Ensure the correct amount is added and that only MycoFogâ„¢ Hâ‚‚Oâ‚‚ reagent or an approved formulation is used.
- Clean the Fogger: Use a cotton swab with vinegar to clean the nebulizer element.
- Charge the Battery: Low power can reduce spray intensity—fully charge before use.
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 11. My MycoFog™ stopped mid-cycle. How do I fix it?
- Battery may be low —recharge the unit.
- Restart the device by turning it off and on again
 12. The reagent is leaking—what should I check?
- Ensure the reagent reservoir is properly sealed.
- Confirm that the instrument is level and not tilted.
- Do not overfill— use only the recommended reagent volume.
 13. How long does the battery last
- A fully charged battery will perform approximately about 5Â cycles.
- We recommend fully charging the instrument before each use if repeated uses are done on different days
 14. Can MycoFog™ operate while charging?
Yes, MycoFogâ„¢ can function while connected to a power source.
 15. How do I clean my MycoFog™ instrument?
- After each use, rinse the reagent reservoir with distilled water.
- If fogging volume decreases, clean the nebulizer disk with vinegar and a cotton swab. Â
- Use a fresh wick for each cycle.
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 16. What quality control checks are performed before shipping?
Each MycoFogâ„¢ instrument is tested to ensure:
- Proper flow rate within the acceptable range
- Residual reagent volume is within specification
 17. What happens if there are cracks (fine inclusions that may appear as cracks) in the inner reagent compartment?
Each MycoFogâ„¢ instrument is tested to ensure:
- Proper flow rate within the acceptable range
- Residual reagent volume is within specification
 18. Can MycoFog™ be used in a GMP environment?
Yes! Our solvent-resistant instrument labels allow for alcohol wipe-downs before GMP suite entry.Â
 19. How do I validate MycoFog™’s effectiveness?
Use an approved Biological Indicator (BI’s) to confirm a reduction in microbial contamination.
Use only MycoFog® BI’s or BI’s specifically made for ambient pressure environments.
 20. Need Help?
For troubleshooting, orders, or technical support, contact us at: support@mycofog.com
