by Introduction to Biological Safety Cabinets
Microbiological safety cabinet, also known as biosafety cabinets, are essential equipment used in microbiology laboratories to protect experiments and researchers when working with biohazardous materials. They provide primary containment and protect sterility of materials inside the cabinet work area from external contaminants and protect the experimenter and laboratory surroundings from exposure to potentially hazardous aerosols or splashes that may be generated during manipulation of biohazardous materials.
Types of Biological Safety Cabinets
There are three main types of microbiological safety cabinet categorized based on their structural design and applications:
Class I Biological Safety Cabinet
Class I microbiological safety cabinet provide minimum inward airflow (0.38 m/s) for personnel protection only. They do not provide product protection. Due to absence of HEPA filtration of exhaust air, they cannot be used for work involving infectious or hazardous biological agents. They find limited applications like work with non-hazardous microbes or sterilization procedures where there are minimal chances of aerosol release.
Class II Biological Safety Cabinet
Class II microbiological Biological Safety Cabinets provide both product and personnel protection through laminar flow HEPA filtered air and are most commonly used cabinets. They maintain ISO Class 5 (0.35 μm particles/m3) clean air conditions inside the work area through horizontal unidirectional airflow. The downward moving airstream provides product protection by ensuring no contaminants enter the workspace.
Class III Biological Safety Cabinet
Class III microbiological safety cabinet provide maximum protection through separation of the cabinet work area from the external environment. The cabinet interior is accessed through arm-length rubber gloves built into the front opening of the cabinet. Work is carried out inside a closed cabinet with all access through protective gloves. Supplied air is HEPA filtered and cabinet exhaust air is double HEPA filtered before being discharge to the environment. They are ideal for work with hazardous biological agents requiring biosafety level 4 containment.
Key Features of a Biological Safety Cabinet
Some key features found in a standard biological safety cabinet include:
– Stainless steel or epoxy-coated interior work surface for easy cleaning and decontamination
– Easily removable stainless-steel ducts, grilles and filters for thorough cleaning
– Antimicrobial coated materials to prevent microbial growth
– Ergonomic lighting and viewing window for optimal visualization of work
– Electrical outlets, gas ports and vacuum fittings inside the workplace
– Display monitor integrated into the front for parameter monitoring
– Alarm system for deviations from safe operating parameters
– Speed Controller to adjust and monitor airflow rates
– Manometer to continuously display pressure levels
Performance Certification and Validation
Microbiological safety cabinet need to undergo regular certification and validation testing to ensure they maintain full containment capabilities as per design specifications. Some key tests conducted during certification include:
– Inward airflow velocity validation
– Airflow visualization using smoke tubes
– HEPA filter leak testing using DOP or particle counting
– Total exhaust recirculation testing
– Microbial inward leakage testing
Certified professionals conduct these tests annually or after repairs to certify the cabinet provides adequate protection as per its designated biosafety level classification. Proper certification and maintenance is essential for safety of experiments and occupants.
microbiological safety cabinet are indispensable equipment used for safe manipulation of biohazardous materials in microbiology laboratories. Understanding their types, featured design and importance of regular certification helps ensure optimal protection of experiments and personnel health when working with infectious agents under appropriate containment conditions. When utilized correctly, microbiological safety cabinet facilitate research advancement while minimizing risks of exposures or environmental releases of biohazards
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn
