Choosing the right biological safety cabinet (BSC) is crucial for ensuring both user safety and the integrity of your work. Class I, Class II and Class III BSCs share some key similarities:
They both protect personnel and the environment by containing airborne hazards and using HEPA filtration for exhaust air. However, they differ significantly in the level of product protection they offer.
Class I Cabinets are designed to protect users and the environment but do not shield the samples or work materials from contamination. This makes them suitable for low- to moderate-risk work where product sterility isn’t critical, such as housing centrifuges, cleaning contaminated equipment, or working with non-sterile samples.
Class II Cabinets, on the other hand, offer three-way protection: for the user, the environment, and the product. With HEPA-filtered air flowing into the workspace, they’re ideal for sterile procedures, such as cell culture, microbiology, and pharmaceutical compounding.
Class III Cabinets provide the highest level of protection available. These gas-tight, totally enclosed cabinets are designed for maximum containment, using glove ports for manipulation and HEPA or double HEPA filtration with optional incineration for exhaust air. They are typically used in biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories, where the most hazardous and infectious agents are handled.
- If your work involves hazardous materials without the need for sterility, a Class I cabinet may be sufficient.
- If you’re handling sensitive biological samples or require a sterile environment, a Class II cabinet is the better choice.
- If you’re working with high-risk or potentially lethal pathogens, where total containment is essential, then a Class III cabinet is necessary.
Understanding your lab’s needs and the level of protection required will help you make the right decision.