Essential Parts of a Laminar Flow Hood That You Can’t Do Without

A laminar flow hood or cabinet is like a mini cleanroom that keeps contaminants at bay. It uses filters to trap particles, ensuring the workspace is free from unwanted debris. These cabinets are perfect for tasks that require an ultra-sterile environment, like aseptic media distribution and plate pouring. 

While similar to biosafety cabinets, laminar flow cabinet sets have a key difference. The airflow is directed towards the user, meaning the sample gets protected, but the user doesn’t. In contrast, biosafety cabinets safeguard both the sample and the user, providing double protection.

For those new to the world of laminar flow hoods, we’ve outlined some of the biggest features or components that you can’t do without. 

Cabinet

The body of the laminar flow hood is made from stainless steel, designed with minimal or no gaps to prevent the collection of spores and contaminants. This durable structure insulates the interior of the cabinet, shielding it from the external environment. This durable structure insulates the interior of the cabinet, shielding it from the external environment. 

The front of the cabinet typically features a glass shield that may either slide open or have openings through which the user’s hands can enter. This design ensures easy access while maintaining a sterile environment inside. 

Working Station

Inside the laminar flow hood, there is a flat work surface of stainless steel. This workstation serves as the area where all operations, such as plating cultures, using burners, and handling loops, take place. The stainless steel ensures rust resistance, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface for lab procedures. 

Filter Pad/Pre-Filter

Located at the top of the cabinet, the filter pad serves as the first line of defense against contaminants. It helps capture larger dust particles and some microbes before they can enter the main working area. The pre-filter is vital in maintaining a cleaner environment by reducing the load on the HEPA filter. 

Fan/Blower

A fan located beneath the filter pad draws air into the cabinet. It circulates the air, pushing it towards the HEPA filter. Their movement ensures that any remaining contaminants in the air are trapped by the HEPA filter, thus maintaining the sterile environment inside the cabinet. 

UV Lamp

Some laminar flow hoods are equipped with a UV germicidal lamp. This lamp sterilizes the interior of the cabinet before the operation begins, killing microorganisms on surfaces and in the air. The UV light should be turned on at least 15 minutes before use to disinfect the space. However, users must avoid direct exposure to UV light, as it can be harmful to skin and eyes.

Fluorescent Lamp

A fluorescent light is installed within the cabinet to provide sufficient illumination during operations. This ensures the workspace is well-lit, allowing users to perform tasks with accuracy and precision. 

HEPA Filter

The high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is the key element in ensuring a sterile environment. After passing through the pre-filter, the air is forced through the HEPA filter, which traps harmful microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, along with dust particles. 

Together, these components work in harmony to create a controlled, sterile environment that is crucial for microbiological research, tissue culture, and other precision tasks requiring contamination-free conditions.

Conclusion

The essential components of a laminar flow hood—from the stainless steel cabinet and working station to the HEPA filter and UV lamp—work together to create a sterile workspace. These features are crucial for tasks requiring contamination-free conditions, ensuring protection for your samples, and facilitating precise, clean lab work in a variety of settings.