A Game-Changing Advantage in Biosafety Cabinet Cleanliness Monitoring

TopAir System’s Integrated Particles Monitoring System (IPMS) provides real-time operator protection and helps to satisfy ISO-5 compliance

Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) are essential for many sensitive workflows in the lab. While these devices are designed to provide a clean, contaminant-free workspace for biological agents and hazardous samples, BSCs also require regular air quality monitoring. Cleanliness monitoring is important to protect operators and to maintain safety compliance, which can be a resource-intensive challenge for many BSC labs.

The Integrated Particles Monitoring System (IPMS) from TopAir Systems is an innovative solution to the challenges of BSC operation. The system provides real-time protection through constant air quality monitoring, helping to achieve ISO-5 cleanliness level standards for Class II Type A2 BSC compliance. This game-changing solution has the potential to transform biological workflows and help streamline biosafety processes in the lab.

The importance of operator health

BSCs function through the action of vertical laminar downflow and HEPA-filtered air within the work zone. These actions create a dynamic air barrier that serves to minimize the outflow of contaminated air.  This air barrier also protects the operator and prevents cross-contamination of chemical or biological agents within the BSC.

BSCs vary according to the degree of biocontainment required. Class II BSCs, for example, function by drawing in and passing air through the work zone. A proportion of this air is recirculated through the top of the cabinet and is directed downward, thereby forming the vertical downflow. The remaining portion of air is exhausted from the BSC. The ratio of recirculated air versus exhausted air defines the type of Class II BSC. For instance, Class II Type A2 BSC models exhaust 30% while recirculating the other 70% of air passing through the work zone.

During operation, there is a requirement to monitor particulate levels to ensure contamination does not escape from the BSC unit. Despite the common designs of directed air flow and HEPA filtration, issues regarding the health and safety of BSC operators are a concern. Labs typically enact periodic air monitoring protocols using external particle counters. Alternatively, they may invest in large internal systems to perform daily testing. Standard compliance authorities such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) dictate the regulation and safe operation of BSCs, while the International Organization for Standardization sets ISO cleanroom standards, which include ISO-5 classification.

The challenges of compliance

There are inherent challenges in the use of particle counting equipment for air monitoring. Periodic/monthly testing using external equipment introduces potential variability into the air quality equation. Periodic sampling may suffer from the fact the testing equipment is not fully integrated into the BSC for constant, real-time operation. Furthermore, periodic testing cannot account for daily (or hourly) BSC usage and the presence of a range of sample types with varying potential for contamination. Daily testing using large internal devices, on the other hand, can cause a significant burden due to the resources (financial and otherwise) that are required for their daily operation.

The solution

TopAir Systems has pioneered innovative technology as a solution to these BSC air monitoring challenges. The new integrated particles monitoring system (IPMS) is designed for real-time cleanliness monitoring to protect operators while at the same time helping to satisfy ISO-5 level standards.

Under the “hood” of the IPMS Biosafety Cabinet Design

The IPMS is an integrated solution that measures particle concentrations in real-time, 24-7.

IPMS sensor technology

The IPMS integrated monitoring probe—with detection sensitivity of ≤ 0.3 µm particles—performs constant data processing to provide real-time feedback on air cleanliness. Visual and audio alerts advise the operator when the workspace has been contaminated and the system needs to be serviced. The system display clearly indicates whether BSC cleanliness levels comply with ISO-5 requirements. A red light indicates when levels drop below the allowable cleanliness limits, while a green light signals that the workspace is within ISO-5 compliance.

Filtration and sterilization

The incorporation of two advanced 0.1 µm ULPA filters operating at 99.99% efficiency further enhances protection from contamination of the workspace. The IPMS BSC includes a built-in Filter Integrity Test (DOP) and active filter monitoring range of 0-100%. A UV interlock safety system and germicidal 254 nm water-protected UV light with a programmable electronic timer are also integrated into the BSC.

Airflow monitoring

A dual air velocity sensor system provides stabilized, safe airflow monitoring and control. This is coupled with the VAV smart system for auto airflow adjustment to filter load. Voice, touchscreen, and indicator lights alert operators to fan and air velocity changes.

Cabinet design

Using a robust design, the cabinet is equipped with a smart, safe, and user-friendly touch-screen control system. The interface both protects the operator and provides alerts for important maintenance and diagnostic activities.

The BSC uses a polypropylene structure and a 304 ss single-piece worktop with sump and autoclave compatibilities. It employs a 6 mm triplex glass motorized sash with position alarm. In addition, the BO-120-PP model is EN-12469 and CE-certified.

User interface

The touchscreen allows full user control and readout of fan, lights, and sockets, enabling adjustment through the settings function when necessary. In addition to airflow and particular matter monitoring, the screen displays real-time temperature and humidity status. The touchscreen also includes sash opening and closing functionality.  

Sustainable features

The IPMS BSC incorporates an energy-efficient, quiet ECM fan and an energy-efficient LED with an average of >1000 lux. These features help to support sustainability practices in the lab.

Summary

Air quality monitoring is a vital aspect of the function of any biosafety workflow. Although important, most BSCs are reliant on external systems for periodic air sampling to protect operators and stay within compliance.

The IPMS BSC is a breakthrough in technology, allowing on-board, real-time air quality monitoring. This technology not only saves money and resources but has the potential to change the landscape of experimental workflows and biological safety cabinet processes in the lab.

Learn more about the line of IPMS Biological Safety Cabinets:

https://topairsystems.com/product/biosafety-metal-free-cabinet-class-ii-a2-copy/

Published in partnership with TopAir Systems