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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1968 October; 16(10): 1478-1482
Copyright © 1968 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Evaluation of Laminar Flow Microbiological Safety Cabinets

Department of Biology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106

ABSTRACT

The microbiological control efficiency of two class 100 laminar down-flow hoods was determined by using aerosols of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores. The first unit challenged utilized a slanted eyelid to partially enclose the front work opening. This hood showed nearly perfect control of ambient organisms in the work area. It also gave a 10⁶ or greater drop in the number of organisms passing out of the exhaust system. However, when the interior work area of the hood was challenged, significant numbers of spores penetrated the air barrier and escaped into the ambient air. A redesigned laminar flow hood was built incorporating a vertical eyelid and a reduced opening to the work area. This hood showed the same excellent characteristics for controlling ambient contamination. Exhaust system leakage was also extremely low. Air barrier efficiency for the newer hood was increased with lower amounts of spore penetration into the ambient air.