Class 2 Biosafety Cabinet Guide: Choose It, Position It, Use It, Keep It Certified

If you are a new member of a cell culture laboratory, the equipment in the corner looks like a mysterious object. This Class 2 biosafety cabinet guide will address the issues related to the choice of the equipment type and all the routine actions that should be done properly. My experience in working with new laboratory members shows that the same concerns arise each time.

What the Cabinet Is Intended for

The Class 2 cabinet is designed to protect three objects simultaneously: the operator, the biological sample, and the environment. Room air enters through the front opening and protects the user. HEPA filtered air descends on the work surface and protects the culture. Air in the exhaust moves through HEPA filter again before leaving the cabinet. It is this triple protection that makes the cabinet mandatory in work with biosafety levels 1-3 and cannot be substituted by a clean bench.

Selecting the Correct Type for Your Hazard

The most frequently encountered class of laboratory hood is class A2, which recirculates 70 percent of air while venting the remainder. It suits perfectly for performing routine tasks on cell cultures, virology, and microbiology experiments. Class B2, however, vents out all its air through a duct, and this class is recommended if there is a need to use hazardous or volatile substances together with biological agents. The only thing to consider is whether hazardous vapors will ever be introduced into the hood; otherwise, the A2 type is enough.

Cabinet Size and Placement

A cabinet is sized according to the user and equipment, rather than any ambitions of the user. One person can use a 4-foot cabinet; two users will be able to use a 6-foot cabinet but will have to be careful in coordinating their activities. But location is just as important. A cabinet near a doorway, walking space, or air vent will be difficult to work with since cross drafts will disrupt the front air barrier.

Daily Operations

Turn on the blower and let it run for several minutes before beginning operations. The surfaces can be cleaned using disinfectants suitable for your agent. Fill the machine only with those materials needed for the process, distinguishing between clean materials and waste on either side. Work far back from the grille, set the sash at the specified level, and move your hands in and out slowly. Avoid working in the presence of an open flame as it interferes with airflow, and use the electric micro-incinerator in place of an open flame. Do not depend on the UV light for cleaning, as it won’t reach the shadowed areas and becomes less effective with age.

Certification and Maintenance

Field Certification must be done in every BSC installed, relocated, and on at least an annual basis after installation. The field certifier will check for inflow, downflow, filter integrity, and alarms. During interim periods, wipe the interior after each usage and report any alarms or strange noises immediately. In case of a spill within the cabinet, leave the blower operating and place disinfectant-soaked towels over the spill.

Conclusion

There is more to hardware than meets the eye. And the best guide for Class 2 biosafety cabinets always closes with this piece of wisdom: select according to hazards, place strategically, certify timely, and train those using the cabinet. This will turn the cabinet into an ideal partner in your endeavors.