Biological safety hoods have which type of air flow?

Biological safety hoods, also known as biosafety cabinets, are designed to provide a sterile work environment while protecting both the operator and the specimens being handled. The correct type of airflow for these units is vertical airflow that moves down toward the work surface.

This design is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and preventing contamination. As air flows down through the HEPA filters, it creates a sterile zone where any particles or aerosols generated during work are captured and do not escape back into the laboratory environment. This downward flow also ensures that any potentially hazardous biological agents are contained and not released into the operator’s breathing zone.

While other airflow types exist in different equipment, such as horizontal airflow—which may be used in other types of fume hoods or cleanrooms—they do not provide the same level of protection against contaminants specific to biological safety. The vertical design effectively shields both the materials in the cabinet and the person working in the vicinity, making it essential for the safe handling of biohazardous materials.