Cytogard Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets
- Protection of cabinet users and other staff from exposure
- Protection of cabinet maintenance personnel from the residue
- Protection of drug products - prepared in a safe environment
Description
Cytogard Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinet (CDSC) is part-recirculating laminar air flow enclosure with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration of exhaust air and an air barrier at the work opening. HEPA-filtered vertical laminar air flow which is recirculated in the work zone creates an ultra-clean work environment for product protection. An air barrier between the operator and the work zone is maintained by a flow of room air into a full-width grille in the work opening.
The barrier air mixes with the recirculated laminar flow air in a sump underneath the work surface, and is exhausted from the cabinet via a HEPA filter which is located directly under the work tray. All positive pressure zones and filter seals are surrounded by negative pressure zones, so as to contain potentially hazardous aerosols.
Cytogard Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets are produced with a work zone width of 90cm, 120cm or 180cm and are free standing units that incorporate a floor stand. Standard cabinets have exhaust discharge on the right hand side with optional left hand side or top exhaust available. Top exhaust is typically specified where cabinet exhaust air is to be entrained into the room exhaust.
These cabinets provide advanced system-monitoring technology and a number of unique design features intended to enhance safety and ease of use.
Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinet (CDSC) Provides the following protections:
- Protection of cabinet users and other staff from exposure to aerosols or vapours which may be generated in the preparation, manipulation and dispensing of cytotoxic drugs.
- Protection of drug products, so that they may be prepared in an environment which is essentially free from particulate and biological contamination.
- Protection of cabinet maintenance personnel from the residue of drug particles which can contaminate filters, fans and other mechanical components.
Designed To Meet International Standards
Cytogard Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets are designed and manufactured to meet the stringent requirements of modern cleanroom and healthcare environments. Each cabinet is engineered to support safe handling of cytotoxic drugs, providing protection for the operator, product, and surrounding environment.
All units are factory tested and certified to ensure performance in line with relevant BS EN and ISO standards, supporting compliance with UK regulatory requirements including COSHH and GMP guidelines where applicable.
Designed for use in pharmaceutical, healthcare, and laboratory settings, Cytogard cabinets are suitable for the safe preparation and handling of hazardous drugs and other compounds requiring both containment and aseptic manipulation.
- Activated charcoal exhaust filter
- Work area power outlet
- Ultra-violet germicidal lamp
- Gas tap (solenoid-interlocked)
- Service taps (vac, air, CO2, etc.)
- Hanging rail in work area
Cytotoxic Cabinet Testing for UK Laboratories and Hospital Pharmacies
Safe handling of cytotoxic and hazardous drugs requires strict control measures, and regular testing of Cytotoxic Cabinets is essential to protect staff, patients, and the wider environment. Our on-site testing and certification service ensures your cabinet maintains effective containment and filtration performance in line with UK safety requirements. Each visit includes a visual inspection to confirm cabinet integrity, inflow and downflow velocity measurements to verify containment, and HEPA filter integrity testing using an aerosol challenge method to check for leakage. Smoke pattern testing is also carried out to demonstrate protective airflow and confirm that hazardous particles are safely contained. Additional assessments of noise, vibration, and lighting help guarantee safe and practical operation for day-to-day cytotoxic drug preparation. On completion, you will receive a detailed compliance report, supporting your obligations under COSHH regulations and HSE guidance while providing assurance that your cytotoxic cabinet remains safe for clinical and laboratory use.
Cabinet
Constructed in electro-galvanised steel with joints welded using a gas-shielded arc process. This method products a robust, leak-free housing that is able to withstand the rigours of transport and handling. Exterior finish is in a special baked enamel which has been developed for laboratory equipment.
Work zone
Constructed in Grade 304 stainless steel with 2B finish. Corners are radiused and crevice-free for east of cleaning and all surfaces are carefully dressed to remove sharp edges. The removable work tray is designed to allow cleaning access to its underside without removing it from the cabinet.
A pneumatic mechanism opens and closes the viewing window without the need for external fasteners or catches. The window is self-supporting in the fully-open position to facilitate cleaning and access for large items. Opening the window with the cabinet running automatically engages a boost mode for enhanced containment by activating maximum exhaust airflow and the alarm systems.
Fans
Separate direct-drive fans are provided for the exhaust and laminar flow HEPA filters. Fans are fitted with speed controllers to enable airflows to be maintained through filter life. The fan control circuits are interlocked so that the laminar flow system will not operate until the exhaust system has achieved a containment condition.
Audible and visible alarms with rechargeable battery back-up signify any reduction in barrier containment or laminar airflow.
HEPA filters
Clyde-Apac Microseal™ HEPA filters are manufactured to the most exacting standards for critical applications. Each filter is individually certified to be leak-free in accordance with AS1807.6. A manufacturer endorsed test label fitted with an extract of the test report is affixed to each filter.
A prefilter extends the life of the exhaust HEPA filter, and protects it from mechanical damage during cleaning of the work zone.
Electrical
Cabinets are self regulating to a supply voltage. A low-voltage touch-control panel is located on the front of the cabinet. A microprocessor-controlled diagnostic system provides continuous monitoring of critical cabinet functions with a digital display indicating the nature of any malfunction. The boost mode and a post-use over-run mode may be manually selected from the control panel.
An integral fluorescent lamp housing reduces heat build-up near the operator. Glare-free lamps provide a minimum lighting intensity of 800 lux at the work floor.
