Biological Cabinet Manufacturer

Biological Cabinet: An Ultimate FAQ Guide

A Biological Cabinet is a self-sufficient device that circulates air in a regulated atmosphere to deal with the contamination load in a closed space.

It is a vented panel that protects the employees, the products being synthesized, and the environment against biohazardous agents by combining HEPA filtration, laminar airflow, and containment. This is performed through the intake of air.

It operates by releasing high-velocity air streams that knock off the contaminating particles. With the help of an efficient circulation system, these particles are then evacuated from the environment.

The purpose of the Biological Cabinet is to protect the user, laboratory environment, and work materials from harmful particles and splashes that may be formed when dealing with infectious materials such as primary cultures and diagnostic specimens.

This ultimate buying guide offers all of the details you might need for making the best use of the product. So let’s get started with the reading.

Biological Cabinet Testing

What is a Biological Cabinet?

A Biological Cabinet is a major device that filters both the entrance and exhaust air to protect employees from dangerous and infectious agents and to help to maintain the quality of the product being worked with.

Sometimes it is also known as a tissue culture hood or laminar flow cabinet. Such types of filtered panels are mainly intended to keep people safe from contaminants and aerosols.

With the help of an exhaust HEPA filter, a part of the air in most Biological Cabinets is recirculated back into the laboratory.

It removes potential pathogens, aerosols, and animal dander but does not deal with exposure to chemicals.

Biological Cabinet comes in various classes and types and so it has diverse features which can be used according to the application requirement.

Due to its sturdy body and anti-damage nature, it needs little maintenance and you can add certain accessories to enhance its efficiency.

A skilled technician shall be there to operate it and use a pass through cabinet regularly to ensure that it performs effectively and provides essential protection to persons, products, and the environment.

Sunnyda Biological Cabinet

What are the Features of a Biological Cabinet?

Here are a few excellent features of the Biological Cabinet:

• A front entrance with a continuously inward circulation that is carefully controlled.
• An efficient HEPA filtration system that allows vertical and unidirectional airflow.
• Exhaust air is filtered by a HEPA either to the outside environment or recirculated back into the supply air.
• It is equipped with an innovative microprocessor unit that allows remote management.
• For better sterilization, there is a germicidal UV lamp.
• LED fluorescent light bulbs enable maximum visibility.
• You can use a medium filter for better efficiency.
• Stainless steel body with anti-corrosion and chemical resistant properties.
• Well aerated front and rear grilles.
• A spacious working station made up of high-quality stainless steel.
• Emergency alarms based on touch sensitivity and temperature sensitivity.
• Proper duct system if your Biological Cabinet is ducted.
• Easy to install configuration.

Biological Cabinet LED Fluorescent Light Bulbs

What is the Purpose of the Biological Cabinet?

The primary goal of the Biological Cabinet is to preserve working staff and the atmosphere from harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc that may be released as particles during any procedure.

These pathogens can be infectious and can cause epidemic diseases that might get difficult to control once they spread.

It also works to protect the product being dealt with as the airflow is directed in one direction and there is no cross-contamination.

There shall be no quick movements and no crowding on the working station as the former induces turbulence which gives rise to contamination and the latter blocks the airflow through the grilles.

What are the Specifications and Accessories of a Biological Cabinet?

Dimensions and Structure

• Stainless steel is used for the main body.
• The tabletop and working area are constructed of stainless steel.
• The tabletop is divided into two sections, that is, an A4 perforated front area and a non-perforated working zone.
• The working area is 900 or 1200 x 600x 600 mm (3-4 feet) in size, with a 489 mm shutter opening.
• The overall dimensions of the Biological Cabinet are around 1000 or 1300x 825 x 2470mm.
• Vertical downflow with 100 percent exhaust.
• Allowed noise level 65 decibels.
• Vibration level 2.3 m or less.
• Average airflow of 90 to 20 feet per minute.

Standard Accessories

• For a longer life, HEPA filters are 99.99 % efficient for 0.3-micron and bigger particles with integral metal guards and manufactured in highly clean air-conditioned facilities.
• To meet low noise and vibration the air pressure system is statically and dynamically adjusted as well as equipped with a unique vibration reducing system.
• The front door is made of polycarbonate and movable as per your lab requirements.
• There is an option to use pre-filters or primary filters that have an efficiency of more than 80%.
• 15/5 amp switches and electric socket outlets are a must.
• Through the HEPA filter, pressure monitors are required to show pressure drop.
• A current leaking circuit breaker should be installed.
• The exhaust duct extension should be airtight.
• If the window is extended above the permitted height of 203 mm, an audible alarm is there to alert the user.
• At the supply air intake and exhaust ducting, there is an adjustable zero leak-proof damper.
• A special provision should be made for a system that alerts the user to turn off the supply air if the negative pressure exceeds a specified threshold, preventing contamination from products and people entering the closed space.
• Back holes on vertical walls are present to provide for extra workspace on the tabletop.
• Exhaust ducting is installed on the rooftop from the Biological Cabinet location.

Additional Characteristics

• Setup, validation, and performance presentation should all be done on-site using all of the latest technology available, such as velocity tests and laser-based particle tests.
• If the electricity goes out during the work a suitable power supply should be provided.

Which Class of Biological Cabinet is Used for Biological Materials?

Class II Type A1 Biosafety Cabinet is the most popular class used for biological material; however, there are numerous additional types of such ventilation apparatus.

The most dominant cabinet is the class II type A2. To offer both containment and a hygienic atmosphere, it employs air curtains and HEPA filtration.

However, it does not provide protection against chemical agents and you must use a chemical fume hood for that purpose.

What are the Types of Biological Cabinet?

There are three classes of Biological Cabinet I, II, and III.

A class 1 biological safety cabinet only deals with operators and the environmental elements and there is no protection for the product being dealt with.

The operator, the environment, and the product, all three elements are protected in biosafety cabinet class 2 which is further divided into four types; A1, A2, B1, and B2.

Biological safety cabinet class 3 often known as a glove box, offers the most protection; the enclosure is gas-tight and all items must pass through a dunk tank or double door autoclave to enter and exit.

As a result, the cabinet selection is based on the amount of protection required for the person working on the desk as well as the sample of interest.

Biological Cabinet Class II Type A2

What are the Different Biosafety Levels for a Biological Cabinet?

The appropriate class and type of a Biological Cabinet are decided upon the biosafety level required for the application.

For example, if you are working in a pharmaceutical clean room, class II would be ideal. The biosafety levels described by the Centre for Disease Control have been stated below:

Level 1:

Bacteria at level 1 do not cause infections in normal individuals and offer low risk to personnel and the atmosphere.

For this level, no specialized containment equipment is needed, and the work can be done on a conventional laboratory bench.

Level 2:

Bacteria at level 2 are highly dangerous and can cause illness. It requires the use of self-closing doors and the wearing of safety equipment like a gown and safety goggles etc.

Level 3:

Level 3 germs can be inhaled as they spread through the air. They have the potential to induce serious, even life-threatening disorders.

Self-closing and self-locking doors are available in labs working on level 3 projects. Fresh outside air replaces the exhaust air, which is never reprocessed.

Level 4:

Employees in these laboratories are expected to wear safety equipment including respirators.

Microbes at level 4 are extremely infectious and life-threatening. In many circumstances, persons who have become affected do not have access to therapy.

Throughout all times, this level involves absolute confinement and security. Employees must wear proper attire and protective clothing before entering the facility and shower and disinfect all items before exiting the secure location.

Different Biosafety Levels

Which Type of Filter is Used in a Biological Cabinet?

The HEPA filter is used in a Biological Cabinet to trap particles including microbial pathogens to secure work areas and clean air that is either recirculated or expelled.

HEPA filter box is either at the entry, the exit of the air current, or at both locations. It is efficient at trapping particles, but not so good at capturing vaporized or volatile substances.

Such substances pass through it and therefore it does not provide protection against chemical agents. For increased efficiency, you can use a pre-filter.

By regular cleaning and timely replacement of your filters, you can obtain greater efficiency. You can also upgrade your system by installing a ULPA filter which is more efficient and provides even higher filtration.

Biological Cabinet Primary Filter

What are the Applications of a Biological Cabinet?

A Biological Cabinet has applications in the following fields:

• Medical Clean Room
• Pathology Laboratory
• Hospital Clean Room
• Research or Experimental Laboratory
• Vaccination Institutes
• Semiconductor Clean Room

Applications of a Biological Cabinet

What are the Advantages of Biological Cabinet?

A Biological Cabinet has the following excellent advantages for your applications:

Infection to Individual

One of the main advantages is to protect the operator or user from exposure to the specimen or pathogen that has the potential to cause disease.

Once an individual is affected, the transmissible diseases can spread to other workers working in close vicinity.

Therefore it is necessary that before using your Biological Cabinet, make sure that all of the components are working properly. The aeration and ventilation shall also be kept in check.

Prevention of Spread of Toxic Substances

As the HEPA box filters the exhaust air, the infectious agents from the sample and the interior don’t escape to the environment.

Once they enter the environment, it gets difficult to control and the pathogens that require airborne transmission can cause serious illnesses in a number of people breathing the same air.

Protection Against Harmful Gases

HEPA filter creates a barrier against toxic agents and organisms but it cannot prevent any harmful gas from being discharged from the Biological Cabinet.

Ventilation prevents the operator from dangerous gases and chemicals that if inhaled can be highly damaging to the lungs.

Airtight Assembly

As it is designed in an airtight configuration, it makes sure that any dangerous agents do not escape or enter the cabinet. The airtight cabinet also catches any dangerous gas that escapes.

Medical Progress

It also gives a clean environment for culture cells that are utilized to treat terminal diseases and for medical uses.

It not only helps medical advances but also paves a way to diagnose and treat various life-threatening diseases.

Offers Variety

It offers a wide choice of options and features from which you can choose, based on your needs and budget.

Saves Time and Money

With an efficient Biological Cabinet, you can save up a lot of time and money which may be otherwise consumed in repeated experiments since you get unsatisfactory results due to contamination.

How Does Biological Cabinet Work?

A Biological Cabinet works by using a stream of air currents that follow a unidirectional flow and have the potential to knock off any particle or pathogen that comes in the way.

The air is fed from the front grille and it is directed towards the HEPA box. Here it is filtered and then directed towards the work station where all the equipment and the product are present.

The filtered air sweeps away any contaminant in this area. As the flow is away from the operator, he is safe from contamination.

The remaining air is also passed through a HEPA filter so it does not contain any harmful substances that cause pollution.

Biological Cabinet Working

What Would be the Best Place to Install your Biological Cabinet?

The performance of the Biological Cabinet can be influenced by airflow patterns in the space, particularly at the front.

Follow the steps outlined below to avoid this from happening:

• There should be no laboratory fume hood installed directly above or in front of air supply diffusers, as it disrupts the unidirectional airflow and can give rise to cross-contamination.
• The number of people working close to the cabinet shall be minimum. If it is installed in a clean room, the maximum number should be 8.
• Anybody passing close to it shall have a distance of at least 1 m.
• It shall have good ventilation.
• There shall be enough space for the ducting system if your Biological Cabinet is ducted.
• It should not be positioned close to an entranceway. The distance should be at least 60’’ from under the entryway of 40’’ from a neighboring door if this cannot be resisted.

Is it Necessary to have the Biological Cabinet Run Continuously?

Although the applications require continuous use, it is not necessary to run your Biological Cabinet continuously and it shall only be used when required.

However, it is important to disinfect and clean it before and after every use. The use of the germicidal lamp is also important to get rid of any biological pathogens residing in the interior of the cabinet.

Running it continuously will exhaust the system and it will gradually lose its efficiency.

What are the Biological Cabinet Grades A, B, C, and D?

There are four grades: A, B, C, and D used in a Biological Cabinet. A grade is the filling zone. Plug containers, bottles, and antiseptic linkages are all located in this zone.

A laminar airflow in the workspace provides the necessary conditions for the operation to run smoothly. At rest and in operation this grade is equivalent to an ISO 5 clean room.

Grade B includes the staging area for the items that are used in the grade A atmosphere. It is mostly used for sterile techniques necessary for filling and processing.

Grade B is similar to an ISO 5 when at rest and ISO 7 clean room when in action. A Biological Cabinet with grades C and D can be used for lower crucial stages of sterilized product manufacture.

Grade C is identical to an ISO 7 at rest and an ISO 8 in action. At rest, Grade D is similar to an ISO 8.

How to Regulate Temperature and Humidity in your Biological Cabinet?

In a Biological Cabinet, humidity and temperature regulation within confinement must be closely monitored to prevent microbiological development as well as to ensure staff comfort.

Humidity affects particle reduction as well. Static electricity can impair particle movement in low moisture settings and extreme heat might cause employees to sweat.

Any remaining particles on labels or supply packaging for example will stick to gloves and other surfaces if the environment is too dry.

Temperature levels that are too high become uncomfortable. Temperature below 30% causes dryness, damage skin, respiratory difficulty, and dissatisfied employees. RH range of 40% to 60% reduces the influence of bacteria while also beyond one’s comfort area.

How Often your Biological Cabinet shall be Tested for Compliance With Air Standards?

A well-qualified person who is an expert in the maintenance and certification of each piece of equipment must certify the equipment at least once a year. A Biological Cabinet with a Grade A environment should be tested every two years.

There is an annual certification procedure that must be completed for each clean room or laboratory product. Before you purchase any equipment, make sure that the clean room manufacturer guarantees certification.

When the Biological Cabinet field testing is completed and all of the acceptable parameters are met necessary certification is provided.

Certification and renewal of the certificate each year is important to declare if the device is capable of performing its action at best. If there is any technical issue, the risk of contamination increases.

All classes must have their air differential pressure and airflow verified every twelve months, according to ISO.

Component count tests are required every 12 months for ISO Classes 6 and higher as well as every six months for ISO Classes 5 and lower.

ISO Certified Biological Cabinet

Does the Low Breathability of Biological Cabinet Cause Condensation and Mold in Buildings?

There is no concept of condensation in buildings during the process of decontamination with a Biological Cabinet.

To minimize uncontrolled air exchange with the outside, the airflow is greatly controlled and monitored.

With low breathability, high humidity, and temperature, there is a chance of mold growth but it is overcome by monitoring the temperature and other external factors strictly.

The air exchange shall be greater than 19 times so that there is no stagnant air and no chance of growing mold which grows in a stagnant, damp and hot environment.

It will also help in the prevention of bacterial growth. Deep cleaning and the use of appropriate disinfectant also plays an important part.

Why Does the Biological Cabinet Need to be Monitor Regularly?

A Biological Cabinet needs to be monitored regularly due to the following reasons:

• To verify that it fulfills the ISO requirements or any other regulatory organizations’ requirements.
• To ensure that the product is protected throughout all of the steps being carried out in the reaction.
• Sudden movements can cause contamination which must be kept under check.
• As it is a dynamic system with individuals, procedures, and products flowing around. Contamination can occur at any time and has a detrimental influence on the production and quality of the product produced.

Such incidents can go undiscovered for days, If not weeks without the need for an ongoing environmental monitoring structure in order.

• To maintain track of previous information to aid audits and internal standard operating procedures. Data from the past can be beneficial in a variety of ways.
• This data can be used to plan maintenance and cleaning plans as well as provide records for government regulators, consumers, and data storage preservation requirements.

How Many Filters Does a Biological Cabinet Need?

Mostly, a Biological Cabinet works on one filtration system that is, HEPA, but the efficiency can be increased by using an additional and more efficient system called ULPA.

HEPA Filter

It is extensively used in various applications. To ensure self-security this filter is employed in these panels and it efficiently captures harmful pathogens.

For particle size of 0.3 microns or greater, the HEPA filter has average minimum effectiveness of 99.99 percent.

This filter may offer ISO class purity needed by laminar flow, biosafety cells, and isolators if paired with adequate airflow and a suitable container design.

ULPA Filter

On the other hand, a ULPA filter can be used for particle sizes between 0.1 and 0.2 microns according to IEST-RP-CC001.3 specifications, because it has an efficiency rating of 99.999%.

Biological Cabinet ULPA Filter

How Often Do you Need to Test your Biological Cabinet?

If the Biological Cabinet is in use (either it is turned on or there are products in the work area), it must be tested at least once a year.

Annual testing and certification hold equal importance because it helps to assess the efficiency of the product and productivity of your sterile room.

All other HEPA filters containing devices are also run through tests to ensure maximum efficiency.

What are the Methods for Using a Biological Cabinet?

For maximum safety, the understanding of filtered and unfiltered air is important. The direction of these air currents towards the room and the work surface holds significant value.

• Working at the approved window sash level is critical to maintaining the equilibrium among inflow and downwash speeds.
• Your hands must be 10cm inside the cabinet while working.
• The air intake in the workstation should be limited so that it can flow in a laminar pattern. Similarly, the downflow air should never be excessive as it can cause turbulence, leading to contamination.
• Avoid blocking the air grilles in front and at the back with equipment or even your arms, knees since this can obstruct circulation allowing contaminants to penetrate the clean work area.
• To minimize the interruption of circulation inside the Biological Cabinet, move your arms and hands in and out gently and parallel to the face of the cabinet entrance.
• For limiting the possibility of splatter or aerosol production, use proper hygienic methods.
• Cross-contamination can be avoided if clean objects are placed at least 12 inches away from aerosol-generating operations.

Wear PPE While Using your Biological Cabinet

Conclusion.

You should maintain a proper maintenance routine to achieve the optimum level of decontamination and ensure that your Biological Cabinet lasts for years.

By adding particular accessories and adhering to hygienic regulations, you can improve the efficiency of your device.

Slight blunders in the decontamination procedure can result in catastrophic contagious infections and ineffective artifact outcomes.

Simply follow the instructions in the manual when you are using your Biological Cabinet and be mindful of any distortion.

100% Quality Tested Biological Cabinet