What type of filters do BSCs use to remove aerosols?

Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are designed to provide a sterile environment, protecting both the user and the work being conducted within them. The primary function of the filters used in BSCs is to remove potentially harmful aerosols and particles from the air before it is recirculated back into the cabinet or exhausted outside.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are specifically engineered to capture airborne particles with a high degree of efficiency. They can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97% or greater. This capability is crucial in laboratories where infectious agents may be present, ensuring that any aerosols generated during work, such as during pipetting or centrifugation, do not escape into the environment.

Other types of filters, like bag filters, fiberglass filters, and electrostatic filters, do not provide the same level of filtration efficiency as HEPA filters and may not be designed to effectively filter out the smaller aerosols critical in a laboratory setting. Therefore, HEPA filters are the standard choice in biosafety cabinets for providing adequate protection against potential airborne contaminants.