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In medical testing, biopharmaceutical production, CDC laboratories, and research labs, biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are core protective devices that ensure the safety of personnel, samples, and the environment. Different experimental risk levels and operational scenarios require different types of BSCs. This article systematically introduces the common types of biological safety cabinets, with a focus on the structural features and applications of Class II BSCs, helping laboratories make informed and compliant decisions when selecting equipment.

Biological safety cabinets are usually classified into Class I, II, and III based on the protection target and airflow design. Among them, Class II BSCs are the most widely used and most commonly purchased type.

Working Principle
Class I BSCs use negative-pressure intake airflow combined with HEPA-filtered exhaust. Air from the work area is drawn in, filtered, and then exhausted.

Protection Features

• ✔ Protects personnel

• ✔ Protects laboratory environment

• ✖ Does not protect experimental samples

Applications

• Experiments without sterile requirements

• Low-risk biological operations

• Gradually being replaced by Class II BSCs

Class II BSCs are the core protective devices in modern laboratory setups, providing simultaneous protection for personnel, samples, and the environment. They are the most in-demand type on the market today.

1. Core Principle
Class II BSCs achieve safety control through triple protection:

• Vertical unidirectional airflow (downflow): protects experimental samples

• Front sash inflow forming an air curtain: prevents contamination from escaping

• Dual HEPA filtration system: filters both intake and exhaust air
  This creates a stable, controllable clean and negative-pressure environment.

2. Common Subtypes

• Class II A2 (Most Common)

  • Approximately 70% of air is recirculated

  • A small portion is HEPA-filtered and exhausted

  • Low energy consumption, high versatility

  • Applications: Clinical testing, biological labs, PCR experiments, routine microbiology operations

• Class II B2 (Total Exhaust)

  • 100% of air is exhausted; no recirculation

  • Requires connection to laboratory exhaust system

  • Applications: Experiments involving volatile chemical reagents or combined biological and chemical risks

3. Why Class II BSCs Are Preferred

• ✔ Comprehensive protection, compliant with mainstream regulations

• ✔ Suitable for BSL-2 and some BSL-3 labs

• ✔ Applicable in hospitals, CDCs, pharmaceutical companies, and research labs

• ✔ Controllable procurement and maintenance costs

For these reasons, Class II BSCs have become the standard configuration for modern laboratories.

Structural Features

• Fully enclosed stainless steel cabinet

• Glove ports for manipulation

• Operates under full negative pressure

Applications

• Highly pathogenic agents

• Rare high-level biosafety labs

Market Situation

• Highly customized

• Very high maintenance and operating costs

• Limited practical use

When selecting a BSC, consider:

1. Laboratory risk level (BSL)

2. Use of volatile chemical reagents

3. Whether samples require sterile protection

4. Laboratory exhaust conditions

5. Compliance with national and industry standards

For most laboratories, Class II A2 or B2 models are sufficient for both safety and regulatory compliance.

As a professional cleanroom equipment manufacturer, GDKunling focuses on the R&D and production of biological safety cabinets and laboratory protective equipment, offering:

• Class II A2 / B2 BSCs

• Customizable models

• Configurations compliant with industry standards

• Overall laboratory cleanliness and safety solutions

Products are widely used in hospital laboratories, CDCs, biopharmaceutical companies, and research institutions.

Understanding the types of biological safety cabinets is the first step in building a safe laboratory. Class II BSCs, with their comprehensive protection and broad applicability, have become the mainstream choice in the industry.

If you are planning or upgrading your laboratory’s biological safety system, learn more about GDKunling’s products and technical support at prefabcleanroom.com.