Hanna HI981037 Skin and Scalp pH Meter
| Brand | Hanna Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | HI981037 |
| Application | Dermatological pH Measurement on Stratum Corneum and Scalp Surface |
| Compliance | CE-marked, ISO 13485–certified manufacturing environment |
| Calibration | Factory-calibrated with traceable NIST-standard buffer certificates |
Overview
The Hanna HI981037 Skin and Scalp pH Meter is a handheld, clinical-grade electrochemical instrument engineered for non-invasive, in vivo surface pH assessment of human stratum corneum and scalp tissue. It operates on the potentiometric principle using a miniature, flat-surface combination pH electrode with integrated temperature compensation (ATC), enabling direct contact measurement without skin penetration or sample extraction. Unlike conventional liquid-sample pH meters, the HI981037 employs a low-pressure, moisture-retentive gel junction and a specialized Ag/AgCl reference system optimized for transient, high-impedance biological interfaces. Its design conforms to dermatological best practices for epidermal barrier function evaluation—supporting objective monitoring of acid mantle integrity, post-procedure recovery kinetics, and formulation efficacy studies in cosmetic science and clinical dermatology.
Key Features
- Flat-tip combination pH electrode (HI1414B) with 12 mm diameter sensing surface, minimizing mechanical stress on delicate skin and scalp regions
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) via integrated Pt1000 sensor; measurement range: 0.0 to 60.0 °C
- High-resolution display (0.01 pH units) with auto-hold function triggered by signal stabilization (±0.02 pH/3 sec)
- Two-point calibration capability using Hanna-certified pH 4.01 and 7.01 calibration buffers (HI7004L and HI7007L), traceable to NIST SRM standards
- IP67-rated housing with medical-grade silicone grip and chemical-resistant ABS casing for repeated disinfection (70% ethanol, quaternary ammonium solutions)
- Battery life up to 200 hours on two AAA alkaline cells; auto-power-off after 8 minutes of inactivity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HI981037 is validated for use on intact, non-occluded epidermis—including facial skin, forearm volar surface, and posterior scalp—under ambient humidity (30–70% RH) and temperature (18–25 °C). It complies with ISO 16128-2:2017 guidelines for cosmetic ingredient characterization and supports Good Clinical Practice (GCP) documentation workflows. While not a Class IIa medical device under EU MDR 2017/745, its manufacturing process adheres to ISO 13485:2016 requirements, and all calibration materials carry valid CE conformity declarations. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and is compatible with GLP-compliant data recording when paired with Hanna’s HI92000 Windows software (optional).
Software & Data Management
When connected via USB to a Windows PC running Hanna’s HI92000 Data Logging Software (v7.2+), the HI981037 supports time-stamped, user-ID–tagged measurement export in CSV and PDF formats. The software enables audit-trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, session logs, and change history—for regulated environments such as contract research organizations (CROs) and dermatological clinical trial sites. Raw pH and temperature readings are stored internally (up to 200 data points) with timestamp and operator ID fields, and can be exported without modification to prevent data integrity compromise.
Applications
- Objective evaluation of skin barrier disruption following surfactant exposure, UV irradiation, or tape-stripping protocols
- Scalp pH mapping pre- and post-shampoo/formulation application to assess acid mantle restoration kinetics
- Stability testing of topical products (e.g., shampoos, toners, moisturizers) targeting physiological pH modulation
- Supporting ISO 20948:2021–compliant claims substantiation for “pH-balanced” cosmetic labeling
- Academic research in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) correlation studies and ceramide metabolism investigations
FAQ
Is the HI981037 suitable for measuring pH on mucosal surfaces or open wounds?
No. It is strictly intended for intact, non-compromised stratum corneum and scalp epidermis. Use on broken skin, mucosa, or occluded areas violates its validation scope and may yield non-reproducible results.
Can the electrode be sterilized using autoclaving or ethylene oxide?
No. Autoclaving will damage the gel junction and reference system. Only surface disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol or quaternary ammonium wipes is recommended between subjects.
Does the meter require recalibration before each measurement session?
Yes. A two-point calibration using fresh, unexpired buffers is required at the start of each session—and repeated if ambient temperature shifts by >5 °C or if measurements deviate beyond ±0.1 pH from known control sites.
What is the recommended electrode maintenance protocol?
Rinse with deionized water after each use; store tip immersed in HI70300 storage solution. Avoid prolonged dry storage or immersion in distilled water, which accelerates reference electrolyte depletion.
Is firmware upgrade supported?
Yes. Firmware updates (v2.1 and later) are available via Hanna’s official support portal and preserve full backward compatibility with existing calibration records and data logs.
