Laminar flow cabinet-parts types and uses

A laminar flow hood/cabinet is an enclosed workstation used to create a contamination-free work environment by trapping all particles entering the cabinet through a filter.Designed to protect work from the environment,these cabinets are best suited for aseptic dispensing and plate dumping of specific media.A laminar flow cabinet is similar to a biological safety cabinet,the only difference is that the air leaving the laminar flow cabinet is drawn into the user's face.In a biological safety cabinet,both the sample and the user are protected,whereas in a laminar flow cabinet,only the sample is protected, not the user.

Laminar flow hood components/parts 

• The laminar flow cabinet consists of the following parts:

• Cabinet.

• Cabinets are made of stainless steel with few or no gaps or seams to prevent collection of spores.

• The cabinet provides insulation to the internal environment created in laminar flow and protects it from the external environment.

• The front of the cabinet has a glass cover that opens fully in some laminar flow cabinets,or in some cabinets has two openings for the user's hands to enter the cabinet.

• Working station

• Inside the cabinet is a flat workstation where all procedures are performed.

• Plates,burners and rings are placed on the workstation where the operation is performed.

• The worktop is also made of stainless steel to prevent rust.

• Filter mat/pre-filter.

• There is a filter mat on top of the cabinet through which air enters the cabinet.

• The filter mat prevents dust particles and some microorganisms from entering the working environment inside the cabinet.

Fan/blower

• A fan located below the filter mat draws air and circulates it around the enclosure.

• The fan also allows air to flow to the HEPA filter sp where remaining microbes are captured as they pass through the filter.

• Ultraviolet light.

• Some laminar flow hoods may be equipped with germicidal UV lamps to sterilize the cabinet interior and contents prior to operation.

• Turn on the UV lamp 15 minutes before the operation to prevent ultraviolet rays from reaching the user's body surface.

Fluorescent lamp

Fluorescent lamps are installed inside the cabinet to provide proper lighting during operation.

 HEPA filter

• HEPA filter located inside the cabinet provides a more sterile operating environment.

• Pre-filtered air passes through the filter, which traps fungus,bacteria,and other dust particles.

• Filters ensure sterility inside the cabinet,reducing the chance of contamination.

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