Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are enclosures that protect users and the environment from biohazards by removing particulates and aerosolized pathogens from the work area through HEPA filtration, then recirculate or exhaust the purified air, hence cleansing the workspace air.
Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Biological Safety Cabinet
- Do the samples/specimens/cultures need to be protected from environmental particulates? Answering this question determines what type of BSC you require.
- Are chemicals involved in your application? Hazardous (toxic or volatile) vapors are not filtered by the HEPA/ ULPA filters found in BSCs. Different BSC designs are available.
- What are your size limits? Know what the maximum space allotment is so that you don’t end up with equipment that is too big for your lab, or so small that you can’t work.
- Does your procedure require modifications to the equipment that are uncommon? BSCs should be built to an appropriate standard and listed by a testing agency. Some modifications can lead to the equipment being unsafe; reputable manufacturers will not provide such alterations.
- Cost is always a concern. Avoid looking at the sticker price of a BSC; inquire instead about the lifetime cost of each BSC. This includes energy savings, service life, and a proven product track record.
Biological safety cabinet types used by survey respondents:
| Class II biological safety cabinet | 78% |
| Class I biological safety cabinet | 23% |
| Class III biological safety cabinet | 8% |
| Other | 4% |
Application conducted in biological safety cabinets as reported by survey respondents:
| Cell / tissue culture | 52% |
| Microbiology plating / specimens | 52% |
| PCR/qPCR | 25% |
| Sample and reagent storage | 19% |
| Pathogen handling | 35% |
| Mycology | 15% |
| Gross dissection | 10% |
| Laboratory animal handling | 10% |
| Other | 12% |
Of those respondents interested in purchasing a new biological safety cabinet, the reasons for these purchases are as follows:
| Replacement of an aging system | 36% |
| Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 28% |
| Setting up a new lab | 14% |
| First time purchase | 2% |
| Other | 20% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a biological safety cabinet:
| Safety and health features | 89% |
| Performance of product | 89% |
| Controlled air flow | 82% |
| Service and support | 74% |
| Value for price paid | 68% |
| Total cost of ownership | 63% |
| Warranties | 62% |
| Vendor reputation | 53% |
| Past experience with product | 44% |
| Availability of supplies and accessories | 47% |
