Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are critical containment units used in laboratories to safeguard personnel, products, and the environment from exposure to biohazards and airborne contaminants. Designed with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and controlled airflow systems, BSCs ensure sterile working conditions while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and laboratory-acquired infections.

These cabinets are essential in microbiology, virology, pharmaceutical research, and clinical diagnostics, where safe manipulation of infectious agents and sterile techniques are paramount.

✅ Key Features

• HEPA Filtration: Removes 99.99% of particles ≥0.3 µm for clean air circulation.

• Laminar Airflow: Ensures uniform air movement across the work surface.

• UV Sterilization: Optional UV light for surface decontamination.

• Alarm Systems: Alerts for airflow disruption or filter failure.

• Ergonomic Design: Sloped front sash and adjustable height for user comfort.

• Glove Ports (Class III): Gas-tight access for high-risk pathogen handling.

• Energy-Efficient Fans: Reduce power consumption while maintaining performance.

• Easy Maintenance: Removable filters and smooth surfaces for cleaning.

⚙️ Functionality

Biological Safety Cabinets operate by drawing air into the cabinet through front openings, filtering it via HEPA systems, and directing it in a controlled manner to protect:

• Personnel: Prevents exposure to aerosols and pathogens.

• Product: Maintains sterile conditions for sensitive samples.

• Environment: Ensures contaminants are not released into the lab.

Airflow patterns vary by class, with some cabinets recirculating filtered air and others exhausting it completely to external systems.

🧬 Types of Biological Safety Cabinets

There are three main classes, each suited for different biosafety levels and applications: