Key Considerations When Purchasing Your Biological Safety Cabinet

11 Jan 2016

The purchase of a biological safety cabinet should be made with much consideration. These cabinets serve as the Primary Engineering Control as the first line of defense in providing personnel, environmental and/or product protection against biohazards and potentially harmful agents in a range of laboratory, research, clinical and industrial settings. This application note explains the value of a safety cabinet, how to determine your specific needs, class considerations and design and construction considerations.

Links

Tags

Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Fume Hoods and CabinetsFume hoods and biological safety cabinets are designed to provide personnel, sample and environmental protection by limiting exposure to hazardous materials. Safety cabinets are classified as class I, class II or class III and methods of contamination reduction include filters or air flow such as in laminar flow cabinets. Fumehoods and Biological Safety CabinetsFume hoods and biological safety cabinets are used to provide personnel, sample and environmental protection by limiting exposure to hazardous materials either by venting or enclosing hazardous sample space. Fume hoods include filtered and ductless fume hoods, general ducted fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets and cabinets for powder weighing. There are three classes of biological safety cabinet, dependent on the level of protection provided. Class I provide personnel and environmental protection, class II provide product, personnel and environmental protection. Class III provide the highest level of protection and are designed for use with high-risk biological agents. Other ventilated workspaces for the laboratory include glove boxes, glove bags, anaerobic and hypoxic workstations. Find the best fume hoods and biological safety cabinets in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell AnalysisThe analysis of cells allows researchers to understand the factors which contribute to cell health and function. These influencing processes can then be predicted and altered, leading to the development of medication and disease treatments.Laboratory SafetyLaboratory safety is essential to the effective operation of all laboratories and is required to minimize the risk of harm during experiments. Guidelines, regulations, and equipment should be available in all laboratories to ensure that the working environment is safe and secure.Microbiology ConsumablesEnvironmental ContaminationContaminants in the environment are harmful chemicals that are present in the air, land and water. These include pesticides, pharmaceuticals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and many more.Cell BiologyCell biology studies the structure, function, and behavior of cells. Understanding cellular processes is essential for research in areas such as cancer biology, stem cell research, and neurobiology. Techniques like flow cytometry, microscopy, and cell culture enable researchers to explore cellular mechanisms in detail. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best cell biology tools and equipment, compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Cell CultureCell culture involves growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment, to study cellular behavior, drug response, and disease models. Cell culture is crucial in biotechnology and biomedical research. Explore cell culture products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Safety Cabinet
Key Considerations When Purchasing Your Biological Safety Cabinet