Objective:

This comprehensive guide assists lab professionals in choosing between a Class II A2 and Class II B2 biological safety cabinet for their laboratory—a critical consideration when investing in biosafety infrastructure. By the end of this article, you will understand which cabinet type aligns best with your lab’s research requirements, improving your laboratory safety measures while protecting personnel, products, and the environment from potential hazards.

Introduction: The Evolution and Importance of Biosafety Cabinets

Tracing its origins back to 1909, the biosafety cabinet (BSC) was initially conceived as a ventilated hood to curb tuberculosis infection during tuberculin preparation. The concept of an enclosed cabinet emerged in scientific literature in 1943, and by the early 1950s, advanced containment cabinet technology was in use at the U.S. Army Biological Laboratories in Fort Detrick, Maryland.

BSCs are now a standard feature in laboratories around the world, acting as a critical line of defense against an array of potential contaminants. However, understanding the terms safety and control of airborne contamination requires contextual knowledge. It raises questions like: What’s an acceptable degree of exposure? And how can we compare the effectiveness of BSCs from various manufacturers?

Running a modern laboratory, biological, chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing facility demands a deep understanding of the key equipment used regularly. A lab manager’s efficiency often rests on their comprehensive knowledge about each device, including deployment implications, maintenance, repair, and replacement strategies.

NSF International, a leading standards development organization, aided in developing standards and classifications for BSCs. These standards are based on the protection level each BSC is designed to deliver. A solution ideal for one lab might be excessive or inadequate for another, making these minimum standards essential knowledge for lab managers and safety officers to assess containment reliability.

Understanding the Classes of Biological Safety Cabinets

Before diving into the specifics of Class II A2 and B2 cabinets, it’s essential to understand the broader classification system and how these cabinets fit within the spectrum of clean air and containment solutions.

There are three primary types of BSCs in common usage:

Class I Biological Safety Cabinets

Class I: This cabinet type can recirculate air back into the laboratory or exhaust it through a facility’s HVAC system. It leverages negative pressure from an interior blower motor or the external exhaust system, creating an air barrier at the cabinet’s front. The cabinet inhales air from a supply opening, typically located at the front, and the exhausted air passes through a HEPA filter.

Class I cabinets are tailored for low-to-moderate-risk biological substances and focus on personnel and environmental protection, rather than product protection within the cabinet. They’re particularly useful in applications where sterility isn’t critical but operator protection is paramount, such as certain pathology and mortuary procedures.

Class II Biological Safety Cabinets

Class II: Like Class I, Class II cabinets have a partially open front for worker access and use negative pressure to prevent air movement through a supply opening and the access panel. The main distinction between the two classes lies in the air barrier mechanism.

A Class II cabinet creates a vacuum using an airfoil directing air beneath the work surface, filtering the internal workspace’s air supply. By using laminar airflow, it eliminates turbulence and reduces cross-contamination risk within the cabinet. Depending on the cabinet’s subtype, the air may be recirculated back into the workspace, exhausted, or a combination of both.

Class II cabinets are the workhorse of modern laboratories, essential for cell culture work, microbiological studies, and pharmaceutical compounding. They’re also commonly integrated into cGMP manufacturing environments where both product sterility and operator protection are critical.

Class III Biological Safety Cabinets (Gloveboxes)

Class III: These entirely enclosed cabinets are designed for biosafety level 4 pathogens, offering extensive protection for both personnel and the environment. Users interact with the enclosed workspace through mounted gloves that penetrate a non-open window, ensuring complete containment of potential biohazards.

Class III cabinets represent the highest level of containment available and are used exclusively for the most dangerous pathogens. For facilities requiring isolation but not BSL-4 containment, consider reviewing our Compounding Aseptic Containment Isolators (CACI) as an alternative solution.

Baker BioChemGARD® e3 Class II Type B2 BSC provides total exhaust for maximum chemical vapor protection

Class II Biological Safety Cabinets Explained: The Foundation of Modern Lab Safety

Class II biosafety cabinets, widely used in labs, play a critical role in preventing airborne contamination, particularly by particulate matter. These cabinets shield lab technicians from pathogens like viruses, spores, and bacteria, ensuring their safety and mitigating liability for the organization.

Class II BSCs also protect ongoing lab work by preventing cross-contamination, which saves time, effort, and allows personnel to maintain schedules. These cabinets safeguard the overall lab environment as well by containing potential contaminants and filtering them from the air released, preventing further contamination risks.

These benefits and protections have made BSCs an essential safety and risk management tool in all facilities handling biological materials, from healthcare providers to pharmaceutical manufacturers. They’re equally important in vivarium research facilities, where specialized animal transfer stations based on BSC technology protect both research animals and personnel.

The Science Behind BSC Operation: Understanding Fluid Dynamics

Class II BSCs utilize the principles of fluid dynamics to maintain a contamination-free zone while enabling personnel to perform necessary tasks. These cabinets might appear passive because their chief tool, air, is invisible. To appreciate their containment effectiveness, one needs to understand the basic physics involved.

The Bernoulli Principle, espoused by Swiss mathematician and physicist Daniel Bernoulli in the 18th century, explains how these cabinets work. The principle states that fluid pressure, fluid speed, and channel cross-section are interrelated, meaning when the channel size decreases, the fluid—in this case, air—speed increases and vice versa. The Bernoulli Principle is what allows a Class II BSC to safeguard personnel, products, and the environment.

The BSC, essentially a box with a blower moving air within, features a transparent panel for visibility and an opening for technicians to conduct work. This opening, known as the window sash, along with a blower-driven air column, creates a negative-pressure area compared to the lab room’s air pressure.

This design ensures air flows from the lab environment into the cabinet, forming a moving air curtain that prevents outward airflow, provided personnel use slow and careful hand movements to minimize turbulence and maintain the air curtain. Proper technique training is essential—just as important as the equipment itself.

Depending on the BSC type and nature of work, filtered air might either be reintroduced into the lab or vented outside via the building’s exhaust system. However, the HEPA filters used in these systems cannot eliminate volatile toxic chemical vapors or radionuclides. For facilities working with hazardous chemicals that require vapor removal, ducted fume hoods or ductless fume hood systems may be more appropriate.

Non-exhausted air is recirculated through the supply HEPA filter and back into the workspace, perpetuating the cycle. This recirculation is what makes Type A2 cabinets energy-efficient but also limits their use with volatile chemicals.

Baker NCB™ e3 Class II Type B1 BSC offers a middle ground with 70% exhaust and 30% recirculation

Choosing Between Class II A2 and Class II B2 Biosafety Cabinets: A Detailed Comparison

Determining the appropriate Class II BSC for your lab—whether it’s Type A2 or Type B2—is an important decision that hinges on understanding their fundamental differences and the specific needs of your laboratory environment.

Class II BSCs are commonly employed for microbiological studies, cell culture, pharmaceutical procedures, and toxicology. However, Type A2 and B2 have distinguishing features, primarily related to how each manages the exhaust airflow post high-efficiency filtration.

Class II Type A2 BSCs: The Versatile Workhorse

Class II A2 BSCs recycle the exhaust airflow back into the lab after filtration, maintaining a 30 percent efflux and 70 percent internal circulation. These cabinets are ideal for labs working with biological agents at biosafety levels 1, 2, and 3, as the HEPA filters offer robust protection against cross-contamination.

Key advantages of Type A2 cabinets include:

• Lower installation costs with optional canopy exhaust connection
• Reduced energy consumption due to air recirculation
• Flexibility in placement without hard-ducted exhaust requirements
• Excellent for routine microbiological work and cell culture
• Compatible with most CO2 incubator workflows

However, A2 cabinets aren’t designed to manage chemical fumes due to the reintroduction of exhaust airflow into the lab. If your research involves trace amounts of volatile chemicals (less than 3 toxic units as defined by NSF/ANSI 49), Type A2 may still be acceptable with proper risk assessment and administrative controls.

Type A2 cabinets are particularly well-suited for:

• General microbiology laboratories
• Cell culture and tissue culture facilities
• Diagnostic testing laboratories processing patient specimens
• Vivarium facilities with specialized animal transfer station applications
• Quality control laboratories in pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Research facilities working with BSL-1 and BSL-2 organisms

Class II Type B2 BSCs: Maximum Containment for Chemical Work

In contrast, Class II B2 BSCs direct their filtered exhaust airflow outdoors entirely, maintaining 100 percent efflux with zero internal circulation. These units are better suited for work involving protection from both biological particles and fumes, such as those produced by radioactive materials or toxic gases.

Key advantages of Type B2 cabinets include:

• Complete removal of chemical vapors and fumes from the laboratory
• Maximum protection for hazardous drug compounding
• Suitable for work with radionuclides and volatile toxic chemicals
• Compliance with USP <797> and <800> standards for sterile compounding
• No risk of chemical vapor accumulation in laboratory air

However, B2 cabinets necessitate further considerations. They require a well-ventilated laboratory, as inadequate ventilation could decrease the cabinet’s wind speed, compromising its capacity. Also, their high air exchange rate may impact the lab’s temperature, potentially causing discomfort during extreme weather conditions without proper HVAC design.

Both B2 and A2 cabinets must have a minimum intake air velocity of 100 feet per minute (fpm) to ensure adequate performance. They are designed to prevent contamination spread by keeping biologically contaminated ducts and plenums under negative pressure.

Type B2 cabinets are essential for:

• Hospital and outpatient pharmacy hazardous drug compounding
• Research involving volatile toxic chemicals with biological agents
• Radioisotope work in conjunction with biological materials
• Facilities requiring maximum chemical protection with biological containment
• cGMP manufacturing operations with chemical exposure risk

Class II Type B1: The Middle Ground

While this article focuses on A2 vs B2, it’s worth mentioning Class II Type B1 cabinets as a middle-ground option. The B1 cabinet employs a recirculating system but exhausts 70% of air while recirculating 30%, and must be hard-connected to an exhaust system.

B1 cabinets are suitable for work with minute quantities of volatile chemicals and radionuclides as adjuncts to microbiological studies. They offer better chemical protection than A2 cabinets while being more energy-efficient than B2 units, making them an excellent compromise for facilities with limited chemical use.

Infrastructure Requirements: Planning for Installation Success

Understanding the infrastructure requirements for Class II A2 and B2 cabinets is crucial for successful implementation. Inadequate planning can lead to expensive retrofits, operational delays, and compromised cabinet performance.

Exhaust System Requirements

Type A2 Cabinets:

• Can operate with canopy (thimble) connection or direct building exhaust
• Typical exhaust volume: 200-400 CFM depending on cabinet size
• Flexible installation with minimal HVAC modifications
• Can be relocated relatively easily within the laboratory

Type B2 Cabinets:

• Require dedicated hard-ducted exhaust connection
• Typical exhaust volume: 800-1,200 CFM depending on cabinet size
• Exhaust system must maintain negative pressure relative to room
• Dedicated ductwork with appropriate materials for chemical resistance
• Often require HVAC system upgrades and make-up air considerations
• More complex and expensive installation process

HVAC and Climate Control Considerations

B2 cabinets can significantly impact laboratory HVAC systems due to their high exhaust volumes. For every cubic foot of air exhausted, an equivalent volume must be supplied to maintain room pressure balance. This creates several considerations:

• Make-up air requirements: 800-1,200 CFM of conditioned make-up air per cabinet
• Energy costs: Higher operating costs due to conditioning large volumes of outdoor air
• Temperature stability: Potential for temperature fluctuations in extreme weather
• Room pressure control: Critical for maintaining proper containment hierarchy

For laboratories with multiple cabinets, these requirements multiply. A facility with four B2 cabinets might need 3,200-4,800 CFM of make-up air, equivalent to completely exchanging the air in a 2,000 square foot laboratory every 2-3 minutes. This is where proper laboratory planning becomes essential.

Electrical Requirements

Both A2 and B2 cabinets typically require:

• Dedicated 115V or 230V electrical circuits (depending on model)
• 15-20 amp capacity for blower motors and lighting
• Consideration for in-cabinet electrical outlets and equipment
• Emergency power backup for critical applications

For facilities requiring extensive benchtop instrument integration or specialized equipment like centrifuges inside the cabinet, additional electrical planning may be necessary.

Operational Considerations and Best Practices

Daily Operations and Workflow Integration

The choice between A2 and B2 cabinets affects daily laboratory operations in several ways:

Startup and Shutdown:

• Both types should run 3-5 minutes before use to establish stable airflow
• B2 cabinets may require coordination with building HVAC controls
• Consider impact on room pressure when multiple cabinets start simultaneously

Work Surface Management:

• Maintain 4-inch clearance from front grille to preserve air curtain integrity
• Limit equipment inside cabinet to reduce turbulence
• Use proper technique with slow, deliberate movements
• Regular decontamination between uses and between users

Material Transfer:

• Use proper aseptic technique for material introduction
• Allow items to equilibrate before beginning work
• Consider using decontamination chambers for high-risk materials

Maintenance Programs and Lifecycle Management

Proper maintenance is essential for both cabinet types but varies in complexity and cost:

Routine Maintenance Tasks:

• Daily surface decontamination
• Weekly UV lamp cleaning (if equipped)
• Monthly airflow indicator checks
• Quarterly operational checks by qualified personnel
• Annual NSF/ANSI 49 certification testing

Filter Replacement Schedules:

• Type A2: HEPA filters typically last 3-5 years with proper pre-filtration
• Type B2: May require more frequent changes due to chemical exposure
• Cost considerations: B2 cabinets often have larger, more expensive filters
• Decontamination required before filter change procedures

For comprehensive decontamination solutions, facilities should consider integrated systems including surface decontamination and environmental decontamination systems to maintain cabinet certification compliance.

Regulatory Compliance: Meeting Industry Standards

NSF/ANSI 49 Certification Requirements

All biological safety cabinets must comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 49, which establishes minimum requirements for design, construction, and performance. Annual certification testing must verify:

• Downflow velocity: Uniformity across work surface
• Inflow velocity: Minimum 100 fpm at sash opening
• HEPA filter integrity: Leak testing of filters and seals
• Airflow smoke patterns: Visualization of containment
• Lighting levels: Adequate illumination for procedures
• Vibration: Minimal vibration for sensitive work
• Noise levels: Operator comfort considerations

Pharmaceutical Compounding Standards

For pharmacy and healthcare facilities performing sterile compounding, additional requirements apply:

USP <797> Sterile Compounding:

• Cabinets must maintain ISO Class 5 air quality in work zone
• Must be located in ISO Class 7 or cleaner buffer room
• Surface sampling and air quality testing requirements
• Personnel competency validation requirements

USP <800> Hazardous Drug Handling:

• Recommends Type B2 or better for chemotherapy compounding
• Containment supplemental engineering controls required
• Surface wipe sampling for hazardous drug residues
• Negative pressure room requirements for HD compounding

Facilities should also review requirements for cGMP compliance when selecting cabinets for pharmaceutical manufacturing applications.

Research Facility and Biosafety Requirements

Research institutions must comply with:

• CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL): Guidance for BSL-1 through BSL-4 facilities
• Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) protocols: Specific to each institution
• Select Agent Regulations: For facilities working with restricted pathogens
• Animal care regulations: When BSCs are used in vivarium settings

Financial Considerations: Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

When comparing Class II A2 and B2 cabinets, consider the complete lifecycle costs, not just initial purchase price:

Initial Capital Investment

Type A2 Cabinets:

• Cabinet cost: $8,000-$20,000 (depending on size and features)
• Installation: $1,000-$3,000
• Minimal HVAC modifications typically required
• Total initial investment: $9,000-$23,000

Type B2 Cabinets:

• Cabinet cost: $15,000-$35,000 (depending on size and features)
• Installation: $3,000-$8,000
• HVAC modifications: $10,000-$50,000+ (highly variable)
• Dedicated exhaust ductwork: $5,000-$20,000
• Total initial investment: $33,000-$113,000+

Operating Costs (Annual)

Type A2 Cabinets:

• Energy consumption: $300-$800/year (depending on usage and utility rates)
• Maintenance and certification: $800-$1,500/year
• Filter replacement (amortized): $200-$400/year
• Total annual operating cost: $1,300-$2,700/year

Type B2 Cabinets:

• Energy consumption: $2,000-$5,000/year (including make-up air conditioning)
• Maintenance and certification: $1,200-$2,500/year
• Filter replacement (amortized): $400-$800/year
• Total annual operating cost: $3,600-$8,300/year

20-Year Total Cost of Ownership Comparison

Over a typical 20-year cabinet lifespan:

• Type A2: $35,000-$77,000 total
• Type B2: $105,000-$279,000+ total

While B2 cabinets cost significantly more, they’re essential when chemical protection is required. The key is selecting the appropriate cabinet type for your actual needs—overspending on unnecessary B2 features drains resources, while choosing A2 when B2 is required creates safety risks and regulatory non-compliance.

Conclusive Guide for Selecting a Class II Type A2 or B2 BSC

Follow this systematic decision framework to select the optimal biosafety cabinet for your laboratory:

1. Consider Your Experiment Type: If your experiments only involve biological agents at biosafety levels 1, 2, and 3 and don’t generate chemical fumes, the Class II A2 BSC, which recycles 70 percent of the air back into the lab, should suffice. For work involving cell culture with CO2 incubators or basic microbiological procedures, A2 cabinets are ideal.
2. Evaluate the Potential for Chemical Fumes: If your work involves the production of chemical fumes, such as those from radioactive or toxic gases, or if you perform hazardous drug compounding in a pharmacy setting, you should opt for the Class II B2 BSC, which exhausts 100 percent of its air outdoors.
3. Assess Ventilation Capabilities: B2 cabinets require a well-ventilated laboratory with dedicated exhaust systems. If your lab lacks proper ventilation infrastructure, it could affect the cabinet’s performance and safety. Facilities may need to evaluate other containment solutions or plan for significant HVAC upgrades.
4. Think About the Lab’s Climate Control: A B2 cabinet can influence the lab’s temperature due to its high air exchange rate (800-1,200 CFM). If your lab doesn’t have an effective climate control system, you might experience discomfort in extreme weather conditions. Consider the impact on adjacent spaces and the building’s overall HVAC load.
5. Check for Exhaust System Compatibility: B1 and B2 cabinets must be hard-connected to an exhaust system due to their operational design. Ensure your facility’s exhaust system can handle the additional load, maintains appropriate negative pressure, and uses materials compatible with chemical exposure.
6. Evaluate the Air Intake Velocity: Regardless of whether you choose a B2 or A2 cabinet, it must maintain a minimum intake air velocity of 100 feet per minute to function correctly. Annual certification testing must verify this parameter along with other NSF/ANSI 49 requirements.
7. Analyze Financial Implications: Consider installation costs, energy usage, and potential maintenance costs. While safety is paramount, budget constraints are real. A2 cabinets typically cost $35,000-$77,000 over 20 years, while B2 units range from $105,000-$279,000+. Choose the minimum protection level that meets your safety requirements.
8. Review Regulatory Requirements: Confirm compliance with institutional biosafety committees, cGMP regulations for pharmaceutical work, USP standards for compounding, and any industry-specific requirements. Some applications legally require B2 cabinets even when A2 might technically suffice.
9. Consider Future Needs: Laboratory protocols evolve. If there’s potential for future chemical work, investing in B2 infrastructure now may prevent costly retrofits later. Conversely, don’t over-engineer for hypothetical future needs that may never materialize.
10. Evaluate Workflow Integration: Consider how the cabinet integrates with other laboratory equipment. Will you need to coordinate with sterilizers and autoclaves, glassware washers, or other laboratory equipment? Plan for logical workflow patterns.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a Class II A2 or B2 BSC is the right choice for your laboratory environment.

Special Applications and Considerations

Biosafety Cabinets for Vivarium Applications

Research facilities working with laboratory animals require specialized containment solutions. Animal transfer stations based on BSC technology are essential for:

• Transferring animals between cages while maintaining containment
• Performing surgical procedures on small animals
• Collecting tissue samples in aseptic conditions
• Protecting immunocompromised animal models from environmental pathogens

These specialized units integrate biosafety cabinet design with rodent caging systems and cage change stations. For comprehensive vivarium containment solutions, explore our vivarium equipment portfolio.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and cGMP Applications

Pharmaceutical manufacturers must meet stringent cGMP requirements when selecting biosafety cabinets. Key considerations include:

• Documentation and validation requirements for qualification protocols
• Material compatibility with cleaning and disinfection agents
• Integration with manufacturing execution systems (MES)
• Compliance with 21 CFR Part 211 and EU GMP Annex 1
• Validation of aseptic processing conditions

For facilities requiring complete containment systems, Compounding Aseptic Containment Isolators (CACI) may provide superior protection and process control compared to traditional BSCs.

Specialized Containment Technologies

Beyond standard A2 and B2 cabinets, laboratories may require specialized containment solutions:

Anaerobic Workstations: For culturing oxygen-sensitive organisms, these specialized enclosures maintain anaerobic or microaerophilic atmospheres while providing containment. Essential for research with anaerobic bacteria, these systems integrate gas control with biosafety protection.

Automation and Liquid Handling Enclosures: Large-format cabinets designed to accommodate robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and high-throughput screening equipment. These specialized units maintain containment while allowing robotic operation.

Vented Balance Enclosures: For weighing and dispensing hazardous powders and compounds. While not biological safety cabinets per se, these units often complement BSC programs in pharmaceutical and research laboratories.

Complementary Laboratory Equipment and Workflow Optimization

Biological safety cabinets function as part of a comprehensive laboratory ecosystem. Optimizing workflow requires coordination with complementary equipment:

Sterilization and Decontamination Systems

Materials entering and exiting the BSC require proper sterilization protocols:

• Steam Sterilizers and Autoclaves: For sterilizing media, glassware, and biohazardous waste before disposal. Coordinate autoclave placement near BSCs to minimize transport of contaminated materials.
• Dry Heat Sterilizers: For materials that can’t withstand steam sterilization, including certain glassware and metal instruments used in BSC procedures.
• Surface Decontamination Systems: Portable vapor generators and UV systems for decontaminating BSC interiors, work surfaces, and room environments.

Laboratory Washing and Cleaning Systems

Proper cleaning of laboratory materials used in BSCs is essential:

• Glassware Washers: Automated cleaning and thermal disinfection of reusable laboratory glassware used in BSC procedures. Undercounter models save space in smaller laboratories.
• Cage and Bottle Washers: For vivarium facilities using BSCs in animal research, dedicated washing systems ensure proper decontamination of caging components.

Temperature-Controlled Equipment Integration

Cell culture and microbiology workflows require coordinated equipment placement:

• CO2 Incubators: Position near BSCs to minimize exposure time when transferring cell cultures. Consider production-scale incubators for high-throughput operations.
• Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers: Store reagents, media, and biological materials. ULT freezers preserve valuable cell lines and samples at -80°C.
• Water Baths: Essential for warming media and reagents to proper temperature before BSC use.

Analytical and Processing Equipment

Support BSC workflows with appropriate analytical tools:

• Centrifuges: Process samples prepared in BSCs. Consider refrigerated centrifuges for temperature-sensitive biological materials.
• Microplate Readers and Washers: High-throughput analysis of samples prepared under aseptic conditions.
• Cell Counters: Automated cell counting for culture quality control and experimental reproducibility.

Supporting You with ARES Scientific: Your Partner in Laboratory Containment Solutions

At ARES Scientific, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive selection of top-tier biological safety cabinets from industry-leading manufacturers including Baker, the pioneer in biosafety cabinet technology. Our diverse product range accommodates various research and laboratory requirements, whether you need basic BSCs for routine microbiology or specialized units engineered for hazardous drug compounding with exceptional precision.

Our commitment extends far beyond product offerings. Our experienced sales team provides personalized assistance, leveraging their in-depth understanding of our product range and extensive industry expertise. They’ll thoroughly assess your specific research needs, facility setup, budget constraints, and safety protocols to recommend the BSC configuration that’s optimal for your unique situation.

Comprehensive Laboratory Solutions

We understand that biosafety cabinets function as part of a comprehensive laboratory infrastructure. That’s why ARES Scientific offers complete laboratory solutions spanning multiple equipment categories:

• Clean Air and Containment: Complete line of containment solutions including BSCs, clean benches, fume hoods, and specialized isolators
• Sterilization Equipment: From benchtop autoclaves to complete sterilization rooms
• Laboratory Instrumentation: Complete range of benchtop equipment to support research workflows
• Vivarium Solutions: Specialized equipment for animal research facilities including caging systems, watering systems, and containment solutions
• Pathology Equipment: Comprehensive solutions for anatomy, morgue, and pathology applications

Expert Consultation and Support Services

Selecting the right biosafety cabinet involves more than comparing specifications. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process:

• Needs Assessment: Detailed analysis of your research protocols, biosafety requirements, and workflow patterns
• Site Evaluation: Assessment of existing infrastructure, HVAC capacity, electrical service, and space constraints
• Compliance Review: Verification of regulatory requirements including NSF/ANSI 49, USP standards, and institutional policies
• Installation Coordination: Project management for cabinet delivery, rigging, utility connections, and commissioning
• Training and Documentation: User training, operational procedures, and maintenance documentation
• Ongoing Support: Maintenance programs, certification services, and equipment upgrades throughout the cabinet lifecycle

Industry-Specific Expertise

Our team understands the unique requirements of different laboratory environments:

• Research Laboratories: Academic and commercial research facilities with diverse biosafety needs
• Healthcare and Pharmacy: Hospital pharmacies, outpatient compounding centers, and clinical laboratories
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: cGMP facilities requiring validated containment systems
• Vivarium Facilities: Animal research centers requiring specialized transfer stations and containment
• Testing Laboratories: Diagnostic, environmental, and quality control testing facilities

Commitment to Quality and Safety

We understand that the right BSC is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your research and safeguarding your laboratory personnel. Hence, we prioritize understanding your unique context to provide tailored solutions that elevate your lab’s safety, efficiency, and productivity.

Every biosafety cabinet we provide comes from manufacturers with proven track records of quality, reliability, and compliance. We stand behind our products with comprehensive warranties and responsive technical support, ensuring your investment delivers long-term value.

Educational Resources and Industry Insights

ARES Scientific is committed to advancing laboratory safety knowledge. Explore our resource library for additional articles, whitepapers, and guides on biosafety cabinet selection, laboratory design, and containment best practices. Our team regularly publishes content addressing emerging industry challenges and regulatory developments.

For architectural and engineering professionals planning laboratory facilities, our Architectural Resource Library provides technical specifications, CAD drawings, and planning guides to streamline project development.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Laboratory Safety

The decision between Class II A2 and B2 biological safety cabinets represents a critical investment in laboratory safety, research integrity, and regulatory compliance. While both cabinet types provide essential protection for personnel, products, and the environment, their different exhaust configurations make them suited for distinct applications.

Choose a Class II Type A2 cabinet when:

• Work involves only biological agents without volatile chemical exposure
• Budget constraints require cost-effective solutions
• Facility infrastructure limits exhaust system modifications
• Energy efficiency is a priority
• Flexibility in cabinet placement is desired

Choose a Class II Type B2 cabinet when:

• Work involves volatile toxic chemicals or radionuclides with biological materials
• Hazardous drug compounding is performed (pharmacy applications)
• Maximum chemical vapor protection is required
• Regulatory standards mandate total exhaust design
• Research protocols involve chemical fixatives or stains

The selection process must account for multiple factors beyond cabinet specifications: infrastructure requirements, operational costs, regulatory compliance, workflow integration, and future laboratory needs. Invest time in thorough planning, consult with containment specialists, and prioritize safety requirements over cost considerations.

Remember that biosafety cabinets represent just one component of a comprehensive laboratory safety program. Proper training, written procedures, administrative controls, and complementary equipment all contribute to effective biological containment. The most sophisticated cabinet cannot compensate for inadequate operator technique or poor maintenance practices.

Take the Next Step Toward Enhanced Laboratory Safety

Trust ARES Scientific for your biological safety cabinet needs. With our wide array of premium products from manufacturers like Baker, Flow Sciences, and other industry leaders, combined with our commitment to customer service and technical expertise, we’re uniquely equipped to enhance the safety and success of your laboratory environment.

Ready to select the ideal biosafety cabinet for your laboratory?

Contact ARES Scientific today for expert guidance:

• Phone: (877) 517-5111
• Email: info@aresscientific.com
• Find Your Local Representative: Regional Support Network
• Request a Quote: Contact Us

Our containment specialists will help you navigate the selection process, evaluate your specific requirements, and design a solution that meets your research needs, budget parameters, and safety objectives. Don’t compromise on laboratory safety—partner with the experts who understand biosafety cabinet technology inside and out.