Key Differences Between Biosafety Cabinet Class 2

Airflow Direction and Design

The airflow design and direction of the various types of Biosafety Cabinets Class 2 varies. Type A1 cabinets in Class 2 use vertical downward airflow, whereas type A2 cabinets use a combination of vertical and horizontal laminar airflow. Class 2 type B1, B2, and C1 cabinets, on the other hand, use a whole exhaust system with supply air directed downward and horizontally. These airflow design and direction changes are critical in defining the amount of containment, human protection, and environmental control provided by each cabinet type.

Containment and Personnel Safety

Another important distinction between Biosafety Cabinet Class 2  types is their level of containment and people protection. Class 2 type A1 cabinets offer basic people protection and confinement, whilst type A2 cabinets give enhanced protection and containment characteristics. Class 2 cabinets of types B1, B2, and B3 feature more advanced containment capabilities, with B3 providing the maximum level of protection. Each cabinet type’s level of containment and human safety is determined by aspects such as airflow design, exhaust systems, and filtering processes.

Applications and Environments Required

Based on the amount of confinement required, each Biosafety Cabinet Class 2  type is appropriate for certain purposes and situations. Class 2 type A1 cabinets are often used in research laboratories and teaching institutions for low-to-moderate-risk applications such as routine diagnostics and cell culture. Type A2 cabinets are suitable for comparable uses but provide extra protection, making them ideal for research laboratories, pharmaceutical institutions, and hospitals. Class 2 type B1, B2, and C1 cabinets are utilized in specialized research institutions, biomedical businesses, and pharmaceutical enterprises for moderate-to-high-risk applications such as genetic modification, pathogen research, and work with volatile chemicals.