Tests Needed to Pass for Biosafety Cabinet Certification

by Kevin Smith Author

There are a series of specific tests that biosafety cabinets must pass in order to adhere to safety standards and receive an APHC certification. This biosafety cabinet certification signifies that the cabinets are safe for their contents, the environment they’ve been placed in, and the people that they’re being used by. The relevant tests for your cabinets are dependent upon the type of cabinet that you have, and these safety tests must be performed fairly regularly. For cabinets that haven’t been used in a while, it’s essential to first make sure they pass safety inspection before being used again in a bio-lab setting.

Down-Flow Velocity Test

Airflow within the cabinet must be measured in order to determine if it’s sufficient, or if it is being somehow inhibited. Effective airflow within is essential for a wide range of reasons, including continuity of air quality, and consistency of temperature throughout.

Inflow Velocity Test

The work access opening allows inflow into the cabinet, and the velocity of that inflow must be tested and pass safety standards. If the inflow velocity is too high, it can cause an unsafe imbalance in the cabinets.

Airflow Smoke Patterns Test

This is a visual kind of airflow test, where smoke is used to observe airflow within the workspace. It helps to highlight any areas where air is not properly circulating, in order to remediate these issues so that safety inspection can be passed.

HEPA Filter Test

HEPA filters are essential for air quality control. These filters must be tested to determine effectiveness, and see if they need to be replaced.

Cabinet Integrity Test

This applies only to A1 cabinets. It involves a pressure test, to ensure that, under great strain, the A1 cabinet doesn't give so much that it causes leaks through seals, gaskets, and so forth.

Site Installation Integrity Test

The cabinet is only safe if it’s been properly integrated into the facility where it’s used. This more general safety check will just ensure that both the installation and environment for the cabinets are up to scratch.

This wide range of inspections are essential in determining whether or not biosafety cabinets meet quality and safety standards. This helps to ensure that the cabinets are working properly, and that their contents stay well preserved and well contained, protecting both specimens and individuals who might be working with them. Once these different tests have been passed, biosafety cabinet certification is ensured.