BioSafety Cabinets
The CDC and WHO currently recommend that Class II Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) be utilized any time a laboratory procedure has the potential to generate aerosols or droplets as result of vortexing, pipetting, centrifugation, or other techniques. Class II BSCs are an ideal choice for handling COVID-19 samples because they provide 3 levels of protection: personnel protection (the user), product protection (the sample), and environmental protection (the laboratory). Suspected COVID-19 samples that will be analyzed using rRT-PCR will benefit additionally from the ISO 5 HEPA filtered laminar airflow pattern generated within Class II BSCs. Class II, Type A2 or Type C1 BSCs are suitable and do not have a requirement for external ventilation. Class II, Type B2, which must be externally vented by design, are also acceptable.
Forced Drying Ovens
When considering a laboratory oven, take into account the types of applications you will be performing. High-temperature, vacuum, gravity or mechanical convection ovens are available with features for general and specialized use with options for advanced security. These types of ovens are mostly used in clinical and pharmaceutical labs. Forced-air, multi-purpose ovens are versatile units with a fast recovery feature ideal for drying glassware. Vacuum ovens are ideal for materials requiring an inert atmosphere. Stainless steel cleanroom ovens are available with HEPA filtration that helps meet ISO 5 (Class 100) compliance requirements and conditions.