Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are a primary piece of safety equipment commonly found in many BSL-2 laboratories. They provide protection to the user with inward directional airflow, to the testing environment with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, and downward HEPA airflow to keep products / specimens clean. BSC HEPA filters work by providing protection against particulates that may be in the air (e.g., small pathogens that may be in the air in forms of droplets or aerosols, etc.). HEPA filters are designed to trap particulates only and are ineffective against the containment of fumes and vapors.
Laboratory procedures with a high likelihood to generate aerosols or droplets, should be done using either a currently certified Class II Type A1 or A2 BSC, or additional precautions to provide a barrier between the specimen and personnel.
Examples of additional precautions include PPE, such as a surgical mask or a face shield, or other physical barriers, like a splash shield; centrifuge safety cups; and sealed centrifuge rotors or safety cups to reduce the risk of exposure to laboratory personnel.
19. Gathany, James. "This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist was preparing patients’ samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, using the CDC serologic test." CDC.gov, 2020, https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=23904
