Learn about the different types of biological safety cabinets available, including Class I, IIA, IIB, III models and their respective features that suit specific laboratory requirements.
Introduction
Do you know how many different types of biological safety cabinets are available The world of biosecurity is complex and ever-growing, and it’s important to be aware of the various options available. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of biological safety cabinets and their respective applications.
Class I Biological Safety Cabinets
Class I Biological Safety Cabinets are essential pieces of equipment for labs. They are designed to protect the user and environment from the user, not the other way around. By creating a physical barrier between the user and the environment, these safety cabinets help ensure that hazardous substances, such as infectious agents, are contained and not released into the surrounding area.
They also provide a safe working environment for the user, allowing them to carry out their work without fear of exposure to hazardous materials. With their robust construction and advanced air filtration systems, these cabinets provide an extra layer of protection to keep everyone safe.
Class II Biological Safety Cabinets
Class II biological safety cabinets are a must-have item in any laboratory setting. They are designed to provide maximum protection against the harmful effects of hazardous materials that might be present in the environment. The cabinets use a combination of air filtration and directional airflow to minimize exposure to these materials.
The air filtration system helps to remove particles and microscopic organisms from the air, while the directional airflow helps to keep the hazardous materials away from the user. The cabinets also feature a “sash” that can be opened or closed to adjust the amount of air entering the cabinet, allowing for a safe and comfortable working environment. With these features, Class II biological safety cabinets are essential for ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel and the integrity of research materials.
Class II Type A2 Biological Safety Cabinet
The most prevalent Class II Type A2 biological safety cabinet is the most commonly used biosafety cabinet of all available types. It is furnished with a plenum that exhausts 30% of the air, while the remaining 70% is re-circulated to the working area as the downflow. This helps prevent any contact of operator or environment with biohazards, and also averts contamination of products from room air and cross-contamination. If trace amounts of toxic chemicals are needed for a microbiological process, then Type A cabinets should be ventilated through a duct.
Class II Type B2 Biological Safety Cabinets
A Class II Type B2 biological safety cabinet is designed with no internal air recirculation. Instead, the incoming and outgoing air is passed through a HEPA filter and then exhausted into the external environment. As such, Type B2 BSCs are suitable for tasks involving hazardous chemicals in combination with microbiology, since there is no recirculation. Moreover, these cabinets are arguably the safest of the Class II variety, as the full exhaust feature functions as a back-up in case the downflow and/or exhaust HEPA filters stop working as expected.
Class III Biological Safety Cabinets
Class III Biological Safety Cabinets are essential for protecting both the user and the environment from hazardous materials. But these cabinets don’t just stop there – they also contain additional safety features to ensure a safe working environment. For instance, Class III Biological Safety Cabinets feature positive pressure isolation that helps to keep contaminants contained inside the cabinet and away from the user or other personnel.
This system creates an airtight seal that keeps dangerous materials inside and ensures that they can’t escape, making it an invaluable tool for any laboratory dealing with hazardous materials. The positive pressure isolation also helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, creating a safe and secure space for scientists to work. With a Class III Biological Safety Cabinet in place, laboratories can rest assured that their personnel and the surrounding environment are being kept safe and secure.
How to Select the Right Model of Biosafety Cabinet
When selecting a right category from the 3 types of biological safety cabinet (BSC), it is important to consider the type of work being done, the classification of any biohazards present (Risk Group 1-4), and the need for personnel protection from exposure to radionuclides and volatile toxic chemicals. The table below offers guidance on which BSC is best suited for each of these scenarios.
| Type of Protection | BSC Selection |
| Personnel Protection, microorganisms in Risk Group 1-3 | Class I, Class II, Class III |
| Personnel Protection, microorganisms in Risk Group 4, glove box laboratory | Class III |
| Personnel Protection, microorganisms in Risk Group 4, suit laboratory | Class I, Class II |
| Product Protection | Class II, Class III |
| Volatile radionuclide/ chemical protection, re-circulated back to work zone | Class II Type B1, Class II Type A2 with ducting |
| Volatile radionuclide/ chemical protection, no re-circulated back to work zone | Class I, Class II Type B2, Class III with ducting |
Other Biological Safety Cabinets
Specialized Biological Safety Cabinets
Specialized Biological Safety Cabinets are the pinnacle of safety for healthcare professionals and researchers alike. With a sleek, modern design, these cabinets provide a safe, secure environment for conducting PCR amplification, tissue culture work, and other laboratory applications. Built with advanced engineering, these cabinets feature a Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet with a HEPA filter system, offering protection from hazardous airborne materials.
The cabinet’s interior is constructed with durable materials that are easily cleaned and decontaminated, while its exterior is made of stainless steel to resist corrosion and ensure lasting quality. With an ergonomic design and intuitive controls, these cabinets are easy to operate and maintain, making them the perfect choice for any laboratory. By providing an extra level of safety and security, Specialized Biological Safety Cabinets are a great choice for any laboratory.
Portable Biological Safety Cabinets
Portable Biological Safety Cabinets are the ideal solution for laboratory settings that don’t have the space or resources to install the traditional models. Perfect for hospitals, animal holding facilities, and any other space that needs a reliable, protective solution, these cabinets are designed to keep hazardous materials and organisms securely contained. Constructed of top-grade materials and equipped with superior filtration systems, these cabinets provide a safe and secure environment for research and experimentation.
With their ergonomic design, they make it easy to access the interior and provide an intuitive and comfortable experience for the user. Their portability allows for a versatile and convenient solution that can be adapted to any space, no matter how small. Whether you’re conducting research in a hospital ward or testing in an animal holding facility, Portable Biological Safety Cabinets provide the perfect solution.
Unicorn Lifescience & Biological Safety Cabinets
Unicorn Lifesciences is a well known brand in the realm different types of biological safety cabinets. Unicorn’s biological safety cabinet product have been installed in numerous laboratories, and have earned verifications from multiple independent sources, a testament to their unsurpassed commitment to quality and safety.
Please submit the following form and get the latest brochure from Unicorn.
