Biological Safety Cabinet

Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are specialized laboratory equipment designed to provide a safe working environment for handling biological materials. They are commonly used in research laboratories, clinical settings, and other facilities where biological agents are handled.

BSCs are designed to protect both the operator and the surrounding environment from potential exposure to hazardous biological materials. They work by creating a controlled airflow that prevents the escape of airborne contaminants and provides a sterile working area.

There are three main types of BSCs:

1. Class I BSC: These cabinets provide personnel and environmental protection but do not protect the samples being worked with. They have an open front and rely on a constant inward airflow to prevent the escape of contaminants.

2. Class II BSC: These cabinets provide both personnel and environmental protection, as well as sample protection. They have a partially enclosed front and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter system that provides a sterile working area.

- Class II Type A: These cabinets recirculate a portion of the filtered air back into the laboratory, while the remaining air is exhausted outside the facility.

- Class II Type B1: These cabinets exhaust 70% of the filtered air outside the facility, while the remaining 30% is recirculated back into the laboratory.

- Class II Type B2: These cabinets exhaust 100% of the filtered air outside the facility, with no recirculation.

3. Class III BSC: These cabinets provide the highest level of containment and are used for working with highly infectious or hazardous agents. They are completely enclosed and operated through glove ports, with all air passing through HEPA filters before being exhausted.

When selecting a BSC, it is important to consider factors such as the type of biological materials being handled, the level of containment required, and any specific regulations or guidelines that need to be followed.

Overall, Biological Safety Cabinets are essential equipment for ensuring the safety of personnel, the environment, and the integrity of biological samples in laboratory settings.