Exploring the Classification of Biosafety Cabinets: Safeguarding Your Laboratory Safety
2024.07.04
In the fields of biomedicine and laboratory research, biosafety cabinets are essential equipment for ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel and the environment. Understanding the classification of biosafety cabinets helps us select the appropriate equipment based on actual needs.
I. Classification by Protection Level
1. Class I Biosafety Cabinet
The Class I biosafety cabinet provides protection for personnel and the environment but does not protect the manipulated objects. It protects the operator by the negative pressure airflow sucked inward through the front window operation port, and the air is filtered and discharged from the laboratory. It is commonly used for handling microbiological operations that do not generate aerosols, such as inoculation and smearing of common microorganisms.
2. Class II Biosafety Cabinet
The Class II biosafety cabinet is a more commonly used type in laboratories. It is divided into four subtypes: A1, A2, B1, and B2.
- Type A1: 70% of the gas is recirculated through the high-efficiency filter, and 30% of the gas is discharged through the exhaust port.
- Type A2: 70% of the gas is recirculated through the high-efficiency filter, and 30% of the gas is discharged through the exhaust port. Compared to Type A1, it can accommodate more volatile chemicals and trace radioactive substances.
- Type B1: 30% of the gas is recirculated through the high-efficiency filter, and 70% of the gas is discharged through the exhaust port. It is suitable for handling trace amounts of volatile toxic chemicals and radionuclides.
- Type B2: 100% of the gas is discharged through the high-efficiency filter, providing better protection for the operator, the environment, and the manipulated objects. It is commonly used in high-risk laboratory operations.
3. Class III Biosafety Cabinet
The Class III biosafety cabinet is a fully enclosed and airtight structure. Staff operate through gloves connected to the cabinet. The interior of the cabinet maintains negative pressure, and the gas is filtered through a double-layer high-efficiency filter before being discharged, providing the highest level of protection for the manipulated objects.
II. Classification by Airflow Pattern
1. Exhaust-Type Biosafety Cabinet
After the gas is filtered through the high-efficiency filter, part or all of it is discharged outdoors. It is suitable for experiments where the manipulated objects have a high risk.
2. Internal Circulation-Type Biosafety Cabinet
Most of the gas circulates inside the cabinet and is reused after being filtered through the high-efficiency filter. It is energy-saving and has a lower operating cost, but the protection for the manipulated objects is relatively weak.
III. Classification by Application Scenarios
1. Medical-Type Biosafety Cabinet
Mainly used in hospital laboratories such as clinical laboratories and pathology departments to handle clinical samples and pathogens.
2. Research-Type Biosafety Cabinet
Suitable for research laboratories for various experiments such as microbiology and cell culture.
In conclusion, different types of biosafety cabinets have differences in protection capabilities, airflow patterns, and application scenarios. When choosing a biosafety cabinet, comprehensive considerations should be made based on the nature of the experiment, the risk level of the manipulated objects, and the conditions of the laboratory to ensure laboratory safety and operational effectiveness.
Hopefully, through this article, you have a clearer understanding of the classification of biosafety cabinets and it can provide strong support for your laboratory work!
Contact
Leave your information and we will contact you.