Bio-Safety Cabinets (BSC) Classification
| Class | Protection Target | Airflow Design | Applications | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | ✅ User ✅ Environment ❌ Product | Front air inlet → HEPA filter → air exhaust | Low-risk pathogen handling and simple sample manipulation For example: Microbiological testing of non-volatile, non-toxic, or non-radioactive substances | Simple structure, similar to a Fume Hood |
| Class II A2 | ✅ User ✅ Product ✅ Environment | 70% Re-circulated air after filtered through HEPA 30% air exhaust after filtered through HEPA | Risk Group I ~ III pathogenic microorganisms For example: Cell culture, blood samples, sterile drug preparation | Most common type, suitable for most medical/research labs |
| Class II B1 | ✅ User ✅ Product ✅ Environment | 70% air exhaust after filtered through HEPA 30% Re-circulated air | Risk Group I ~ III pathogenic microorganisms For example: Experiments involving trace amounts of volatile, toxic, or radioactive substances | Has a larger air exhaust volume than A2 type Bio-Safety Cabinet Need to connect with an external air duct |
| Class II B2 | ✅ User ✅ Product ✅ Environment | 100% air exhaust after filtered through HEPA | Risk Group I ~ III pathogenic microorganisms For example: Experiments involving volatile, toxic, or radioactive substances | High cost, high energy consumption Requires a dedicated air exhaust system |
| Class III | ✅Highest Level | Fully enclosed and operates with attached gloves Double HEPA filtration or HEPA filter with exhaust air incineration | Risk Group III ~ IV pathogenic microorganisms For example: Handling high-risk pathogens (BSL-3/4), dangerous viruses, or bacteria | Also known as "Class III fully enclosed Bio-Safety Cabinet", it is the most stringent type of Bio-Safety Cabinet |