Biosafety cabinets

What is a biosafety cabinet?

A biosafety cabinet, or biological safety cabinet is a laboratory workstation that is used to provide operator and environment protection against biohazards. In practice, for most applications, there is also the need for a downflow of clean air to protect the experiment/product against contaminations in the air. That is why in most cases a biosafety cabinet class II is used.

Analis is exlusive distributor of Esco Biosafety Cabinets for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
View products 

Learn more - Aistream basic

Learn more - Airstream Plus

biosafety cabinet class I
A biosafety cabinet class I is a laboratory workstation that is used to protect the user against biohazards. The cabinet has a unidirectional upwards airflow and sucks the air trough a HEPA filter before re-sending it into the laboratory environment. Due to the flow direction, unfiltered air is passing by the product/experiment used inside the cabinet. In practice, for most applications involving biohazards, the cross contamination with unfiltered air is a problem. That is why the biosafety cabinet class I has almost disappeared from the lab environment. Besides the problem of cross contamination, the cost of the cabinet is more or less the same as the cost of a biosafety cabinet class II type A2, which does offer protection of the product/experiment against air contaminants.

biosafety cabinet class II
A biosafety cabinet class II is a laboratory workstation providing user and environment protection against biohazards AND providing protection of the product/experiment against air contaminants. The European standard allows the users to choose which type of class II cabinet they use, as long as it complies with certain test criteria. In practice, a biosafety cabinet class II type A2 is used for around 95% of applications involving biohazards within Europe.

When low concentrations of chemicals are used in a class II A2 biosafety cabinet, it is in most cases connected to the laboratory HVAC system using thimble ducting. The flow rate just needs to be above a certain minimum and does not need to be regulated exactly. An alternative is adding a carbon filter on top of the exhaust filter, but this technology is not used a lot yet in biosafety cabinets. The only limitation of a biosafety cabinet class II type A2 is when you use large quantities of volatile chemicals in the same workstation as biohazards. Because a class II A2 re-circulates 70% of the air, there is the possibility that chemical vapours build up. When these are toxic or explosive, they can be a large safety risk. In this case the other types of the American standard are better solutions. Biosafety cabinets class 2 type B1, B2 and C1 are all biosafety cabinets that are developed to work with large quantities of volatile chemicals in the same cabinet where biohazards are used. They are connected to an HVAC system. The flow rate needs to be regulated very exactly for these 3 types of cabinets using hard ducting. In practice this means an individual HVAC system with an individual FAN unit needs to be installed in the laboratory dedicated for these cabinets. This makes the installation a lot more expensive and complex compared to a type II A2. The scope for a biosafety cabinet class II type B1, B2 and C1 is exactly the same. In practice laboratories will never choose type B1 and C1 because they have the same cost as a B2, but use of chemicals is limited to certain parts of the work area.

illustration biosafety cabinet class III                                      
A biosafety cabinet class III is a laboratory workstation that protects the user and environment against biohazards and the product/experiment against air contaminants. The main difference with a biosafety cabinet class II is that there is a complete physical separation between the user and the product/experiment, while a class II has a sash opening. It is also sometimes referred to as an isolator, but this name is used also for some other cabinet types. Materials need to be entered via an air sash, and the manipulations are done using long gloves that are integrated into the front window. This type of cabinet is usually only found in biosafety level 4 laboratories.

If you use small amounts of chemicals, you can use a biosafety cabinet class II A2. You just need to connect it to the HVAC system using an exhaust collar and ducting. The flow rate needs to be above a threshold communicated by the supplier of the cabinet. An alternative for ducting is using a carbon filter. Carbon filters have coatings that can capture chemicals using a process called adsorption. When using large volumes of volatile chemicals in the same workstation as biohazards, you need to keep in mind that a biosafety cabinet class II A2 has 70% re-circulation. This can cause build-up of chemical vapours inside the workstation and create a risk. If a biosafety cabinet class II A2 is not an option for that reason, the biosafety cabinet class II B2 is the best solution.

Biosafety cabinet classification NSF49 standard US
It is very confusing for the end users to find the right type of biological safety cabinet. This is related to the presence of 2 different standards.
First of all, there is the older NSF49 standard from the US. This standard only talks about class II biosafety cabinets and defines 4 types based on their construction.

 Biosafety cabinet classification uropean EN12469 standard

There is also the newer European EN12469 standard. This standard defines 3 classes of biosafety cabinets but does not define how they need to be built. They just need to pass certain test criteria.
In Europe, we need to follow the European standard of course. In practice, for most applications a class II biosafety cabinet will be needed. Taking into account that the European standards do not say much about the construction, you can choose from all types defined by the US standard. In practice, we see that around 95% of the biosafety cabinets in the Benelux are class II A2. Why is that?

Analis, as an exclusive distributor of Esco for the BeNeLux, also offers the necessary support. We have a local service team for installation, validation, preventive, and corrective maintenance.


Discover the NEW ESCO
Labculture® EU G4  & Labculture Plus G4 Class II 

 Prevent cross contamination for protecting your sample ...

The NEW Labculture® G4 (LA2 G4) ergonomic work zone is comprised of bright illumination using industry-leading dimmable LED combined with raised, durable, stainless-steel armrest and a large, recessed work tray that is spill-resistant and designed for optimal working comfort.  
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is TUV-certified according to EN12469, enlarged sash opening of 20 cm, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

What are the main advantages of this device? 

  • Intuitive, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand Centurion 
  • Touchscreen controller 
  • Front tilting window for easy cleaning 
  • Frameless, shatterproof, and UV-absorbing tempered glass, 
  • Tray support beams and holder for less vibration and easy drain pan cleaning 
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus to access cabinet data log and BMS connectivity for users to securely access the cabinet remotely from external devices 

Our products

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
AC2-4E8 Airstream® Class II, biological safety cabinet (E-Series), 1.2m
Reference : ESC-2010621

The Esco Airstream® Gen 3 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (AC2) is an effective solution in providing operator, product and environmental protection. It also features stable and self-compensating airflow, despite building voltage fluctuations & filter loading. Certified to EN 12469, Esco Airstream® Class II Biological Safety Cabinet also has antimicrobial coating on all its external and internal painted surfaces for improved safety.

The AC2- E series has tempered glass sidewalls that increases visibility and prevents the operator from experiencing a ""boxed-in"" feeling. This unit is also equipped with multi-piece, autoclavable work tray for easy cleaning process.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
AC2-4S8 Airstream® ClassII, Biological Safety Cabinet (S-Series), 1.2m
Reference : ESC-2010711

The Esco Airstream® Gen 3 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (AC2) is an effective solution in providing operator, product and environmental protection. It also features stable and self-compensating airflow, despite building voltage fluctuations & filter loading. Certified to EN 12469, Esco Airstream® Class II Biological Safety Cabinet also has antimicrobial coating on all its external and internal painted surfaces for improved safety.

The AC2- S series Class II Biosafety cabinet features a one-piece stainless steel with coved corners for cleanability. The side capture zones and negative pressure side walls optimize containment.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
AC2-6E8 Airstream® ClassII, Biological Safety Cabinet (E-Series), 1.8m
Reference : ESC-2010657

The Esco Airstream® Gen 3 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (AC2) is an effective solution in providing operator, product and environmental protection. It also features stable and self-compensating airflow, despite building voltage fluctuations & filter loading. Certified to EN 12469, Esco Airstream® Class II Biological Safety Cabinet also has antimicrobial coating on all its external and internal painted surfaces for improved safety.

The AC2- E series has tempered glass sidewalls that increases visibility and prevents the operator from experiencing a ""boxed-in"" feeling. This unit is also equipped with multi-piece, autoclavable work tray for easy cleaning process.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
AC2-6S8 Airstream® ClassII, Biological Safety Cabinet (S-Series), 1.8m
Reference : ESC-2010722

The Esco Airstream® Gen 3 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (AC2) is an effective solution in providing operator, product and environmental protection. It also features stable and self-compensating airflow, despite building voltage fluctuations & filter loading. Certified to EN 12469, Esco Airstream® Class II Biological Safety Cabinet also has antimicrobial coating on all its external and internal painted surfaces for improved safety.

The AC2- S series Class II Biosafety cabinet features a one-piece stainless steel with coved corners for cleanability. The side capture zones and negative pressure side walls optimize containment.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-3S8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 0.9M/3'
Reference : ESC-2011738

Labculture® Plus (S-series) G4 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet: Model LA2-3S8-EU G4.
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

The Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-S-EU G4) ergonomic work zone features bright illumination from a top-tier dimmable LED lamp, along with a raised, sturdy stainless-steel armrest, and a spacious, recessed work zone designed to contain spills, all contributing to optimal work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for  easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • Tray support beams and holder 
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • For theses S series, (*1)
    • Stainless steel side walls with side capture zones and negative pressure to optimize containment
    • Single-piece work tray, spill retaining and easy to clean
  • Green product equipped with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (70% energy saving)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*2) In addition to this S series, other models are also available with Multi-piece work tray, glass sidewalls in E series.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-4S8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 1.2M/4'
Reference : ESC-2011739

Labculture® Plus (S-series) G4 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet: Model LA2-4S8-EU G4.
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

The Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-S-EU G4) ergonomic work zone features bright illumination from a top-tier dimmable LED lamp, along with a raised, sturdy stainless-steel armrest, and a spacious, recessed work zone designed to contain spills, all contributing to optimal work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for  easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • Tray support beams and holder 
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • For theses S series, (*1)
    • Stainless steel side walls with side capture zones and negative pressure to optimize containment
    • Single-piece work tray, spill retaining and easy to clean
  • Green product equipped with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (70% energy saving)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*2) In addition to this S series, other models are also available with Multi-piece work tray, glass sidewalls in E series.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-5S8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 1.5M/5'
Reference : ESC-2011740

Labculture® Plus (S-series) G4 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet: Model LA2-5S8-EU G4
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

The Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-S-EU G4) ergonomic work zone features bright illumination from a top-tier dimmable LED lamp, along with a raised, sturdy stainless-steel armrest, and a spacious, recessed work zone designed to contain spills, all contributing to optimal work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for  easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • Tray support beams and holder 
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • For theses S series, (*1)
    • Stainless steel side walls with side capture zones and negative pressure to optimize containment
    • Single-piece work tray, spill retaining and easy to clean
  • Green product equipped with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (70% energy saving)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*2) In addition to this S series, other models are also available with Multi-piece work tray, glass sidewalls in E series.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-6S8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 1.8M/6'
Reference : ESC-2011741

Labculture® Plus (S-series) G4 Class II Biological Safety Cabinet: Model LA2-6S8-EU G4
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

The Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-S-EU G4) ergonomic work zone features bright illumination from a top-tier dimmable LED lamp, along with a raised, sturdy stainless-steel armrest, and a spacious, recessed work zone designed to contain spills, all contributing to optimal work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for  easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • Tray support beams and holder 
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • For theses S series, (*1)
    • Stainless steel side walls with side capture zones and negative pressure to optimize containment
    • Single-piece work tray, spill retaining and easy to clean
  • Green product equipped with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (70% energy saving)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*2) In addition to this S series, other models are also available with Multi-piece work tray, glass sidewalls in E series

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-3E8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 0.9M/3'
Reference : ESC-2011742

Labculture® Plus (E-Series) G4 Class II A2 Biological Safety Cabinet, Model LA2-3E8-EU G4.
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-E-EU G4) has an ergonomic work zone comprised of bright illumination using an industry-leading dimmable LED lamp combined with a raised, durable, stainless-steel armrest and an autoclavable, multi-piece work zone devised for optimum work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • Cabinet Construction of E-Series: (*1)
    • Tempered Glass Side walls increase visibility and prevent the operator from experiencing a "boxed-in" feeling
    • Multi-piece work tray, autoclavable
  • Green Product with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (up to 70% energy savings)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*1) In addition to this E series, other models are also available with single-piece work trays and stainless steel sidewalls in S series.

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-4E8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 1.2M/4'
Reference : ESC-2011743

Labculture® Plus (E-Series) G4 Class II A2 Biological Safety Cabinet, Model LA2-4E8-EU G4.
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-E-EU G4) has an ergonomic work zone comprised of bright illumination using an industry-leading dimmable LED lamp combined with a raised, durable, stainless-steel armrest and an autoclavable, multi-piece work zone devised for optimum work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • Cabinet Construction of E-Series: (*1)
    • Tempered Glass Side walls increase visibility and prevent the operator from experiencing a "boxed-in" feeling
    • Multi-piece work tray, autoclavable
  • Green Product with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (up to 70% energy savings)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*1) In addition to this E series, other models are also available with single-piece work trays and stainless steel sidewalls in S series

ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-5E8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 1.5M/5'
Reference : ESC-2011744

Labculture® Plus (E-Series) G4 Class II A2 Biological Safety Cabinet, Model LA2-5E8-EU G4.
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-E-EU G4) has an ergonomic work zone comprised of bright illumination using an industry-leading dimmable LED lamp combined with a raised, durable, stainless-steel armrest and an autoclavable, multi-piece work zone devised for optimum work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • Cabinet Construction of E-Series: (*1)
    • Tempered Glass Side walls increase visibility and prevent the operator from experiencing a "boxed-in" feeling
    • Multi-piece work tray, autoclavable
  • Green Product with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (up to 70% energy savings)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*1) In addition to this E series, other models are also available with single-piece work trays and stainless steel sidewalls in S series.


ESCO LIFE SCIENCES
LA2-6E8-EU G4 Labculture® Biological Safety Cabinet, Class II A2, 1.8M/6'
Reference : ESC-2011745

Labculture® Plus (E-Series) G4 Class II A2 Biological Safety Cabinet, Model LA2-6E8-EU G4.
The new BSC with Centurion Touchscreen controller is EN 12469-certified and now available in 200 mm (8") opening, with standby height that easily activates standby mode.

Labculture® Plus G4 (LA2-E-EU G4) has an ergonomic work zone comprised of bright illumination using an industry-leading dimmable LED lamp combined with a raised, durable, stainless-steel armrest and an autoclavable, multi-piece work zone devised for optimum work comfort.

Key Features:

  • Centurion Touchscreen Controller
  • Dimmable LED
  • Ergonomic Features
  • Tiltable Sash for easy cleaning of the inner sash glass
  • USB Port and Remote Modbus
  • Cabinet Construction of E-Series: (*1)
    • Tempered Glass Side walls increase visibility and prevent the operator from experiencing a "boxed-in" feeling
    • Multi-piece work tray, autoclavable
  • Green Product with energy-efficient Dual DC ECM (up to 70% energy savings)
  • ULPA Filter
  • Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating

(*1) In addition to this E series, other models are also available with single-piece work trays and stainless steel sidewalls in S series.

Related product categories