Difference Between Class II A2 & Class II B2 Biosafety Cabinet

The main difference between Class II A2 and Class II B2 biological safety cabinets lies in their airflow patterns and levels of protection provided.

Biological Safety Cabinets Airflow Pattern:

Class II A2 biological safety cabinet: Class II A2 cabinets provide personnel protection through a laminar airflow that moves from the back to the front of the cabinet. 70% air is recirculated back into the work area after passing through a HEPA/ULPA filter, which removes contaminants. 30% air exhaust out to environment after passing through a HEPA/ULPA filter to ensure air safety.

Class II B2 biological safety cabinet: Class II B2 cabinets offer both personnel and product protection with a total exhaust airflow. The air is drawn into the cabinet, then 100% air exhausted out through HEPA/ULPA filter to dedicated exhaust systems, preventing the release of hazardous materials into the laboratory.

Protection Levels:

Class II A2 Biological Safety Cabinet: Class II A2 cabinets primarily protect the operator and the environment by filtering the air inside the cabinet and recirculating it. They do not provide protection for the product being worked with, making them suitable for low to moderate risk biological agents.

Class II B2 biosafety cabinet: Class II B2 cabinets offer a higher level of protection by providing a total exhaust system. This setup ensures that all air inside the cabinet is exhausted out of the laboratory, preventing any potential contamination of the laboratory environment and the product being handled. Class II B2 cabinets are suitable for handling high-risk biological agents, toxic chemicals, and radionuclides.

In summary, Class II A2 biological safety cabinets protect the operator and the environment through recirculating air, while Class II B2 cabinets provide a higher level of protection by exhausting all air out of the laboratory, offering both operator and product protection. The choice between Class II A2 and Class II B2 cabinets depends on the level of risk associated with the materials being handled and the specific safety requirements of the laboratory.

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