BSC MythBusters

There are so many rules, guidelines and rumors associated with installing, maintaining and working properly within a Biosafety Cabinet. We want to better understand which of the ‘myths’ are true. Since 2019, Baker has been (or not busting in some cases) common laboratory myths.

If you have a myth that you'd like busting, email mythbusters@bakerco.com!

BSC MythBusters

BSC Mythbusters

Common Disinfectant Chemical Compatibility with Stainless Steel Poster

Here's a handy chart of commonly used cleaners and their compatibility with 304 and 316 Stainless Steel.

Heat sources in a Biosafety Cabinet Compromise Experimental and User Protection Research Paper

Keeping a contamination free environment in the laboratory has commonly been achieved by one of two ways: a flame or a biosafety cabinet (BSC). However, it has been frequently observed that the two practices have been combined, where a heat source has been used within the BSC. Read more...

BSC Mythbusters: Does Heat Really Affect Protection? Presentation Download

BSC MythBusters: Does Heat really Affect Protection? PowerPoint presentation from 2018 ABSA Conference, Charleston, SC

ABSA 2018 MythBusters Presentation- Heat BSC Protection Video

BSC MythBusters: Does Heat Really Affect My Protection? Watch the presentation given by Kara Held, Ph.D., Baker's Science Director, at the 2018 ABSA Scientific Session on Wednesday, 10/10/2018. In her presentation, Kara explores the facts behind this common lab myth!

BSC MythBusters: Can HEPAs Filter Out Everything Poster

HEPA filters are the main line of defense against contamination in Biosafety Cabinet construction - but how much do they actually filter?

Does Heat Really Affect Protection? Poster Download

Heat sources in a Biosafety Cabinet Compromise Experimental and User Protection. Several heat sources were evaluated in two sizes of BSC, using smoke for airflow visualization, particle counting for air cleanliness, and aerosol microbiological testing to show containment.

Can overcrowding a BSC work area lead to a loss of containment?

Work conducted in Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) is a common sight in many laboratories worldwide, but some misconceptions about their capabilities sometimes arise. A BSC used for storage of materials or the air grilles or grates blocked is often observed, but no conclusive evidence has shown whether this will affect the BSCs performance.

Can I use UV or any chemical as a disinfectant in my BSC?

UV lamps in BSCs use short-wave UV-C (254nm) irradiation to kill microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. Download the Baker MythBuster presentation!

Can multiple people work safely in a BSC?

ABSA 2019 MythBuster presentation. Watch Baker’s Science Director, Kara Held Ph.D. present her latest findings!

Multiple users in a Biosafety Cabinet compromise containment White Paper Download

Primary Containment for most biological laboratories starts with the Biosafety Cabinet (BSC). Download the latest white paper on multiple users in a BSC!

BSC MythBusters - Can overcrowding a BSC lead to loss of protection?

Here we explore and test the effect of overcrowding a cabinet as well as blocking off the front grille to determine if it will maintain ISO Class 5 air cleanliness.