Biosafety Cabinets

Class I biosafety cabinets protect the user and the environment by pulling air inward, but they don’t protect the sample. Class II cabinets offer protection for the user, the environment, and the sample—making them the most common in research and clinical labs. Class III cabinets are fully enclosed, gas-tight glove boxes used for the highest level of containment in BSL-4 labs.

If you're doing general microbiological work, a Class II Type A2 cabinet is usually the best choice. If your work involves volatile toxic chemicals or radionuclides, Type B1 or B2 may be required. Type B2 provides full exhaust to the outside and is ideal for maximum chemical safety.

Biosafety cabinets must be certified at least once a year to ensure proper airflow, HEPA filter function, and overall safety. Certification is also required after moving the unit or replacing filters.

No. Laminar flow hoods only protect the product from contamination, not the user or the environment. If you're working with biohazards or infectious materials, a certified biosafety cabinet is required to ensure full protection.

Yes. A Class II biosafety cabinet is commonly used for cell culture, microbiology, and sterile techniques because it provides a clean work area while also protecting the user and the surrounding lab.

Class III cabinets are fully sealed with glove access, offering the highest level of containment. They're essential for working with high-risk pathogens in biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) labs where maximum protection is needed.

Yes, biosafety cabinets use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes bacteria, viruses, and spores—making them highly effective for laboratory safety.