In the world of scientific research and healthcare, Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are essential instruments that help provide a clean and contained work area for handling biological hazards and cell cultures. Particle counters are devices used to measure and count particles in the air. In the context of biological safety cabinets (BSCs), particle counters can be integrated into the cabinets to monitor the cleanliness of the air within the workspace.
What are particle counters?
Particle counters in BSCs help to assess the air quality by measuring the number and size distribution of particles present. These particles can include dust, microorganisms, and other contaminants that may pose a risk to the integrity of the work being conducted within the cabinet.
Particle counters can count particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter floating in the air. To put this into perspective, a human hair is about 70 microns in diameter, and a red blood cell is 6 to 8 microns.
Why are they used in BSCs?
Particle counters are valuable tools for assessing the cleanliness of the air inside a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC). By providing an objective measurement, they help maintain a safe working environment. One common use of particle counters is to classify the cleanliness of the work area for air cleanliness certification, typically achieving an ISO Class 5 or better rating. In addition, particle counters can be employed in environmental monitoring to establish a Grade A clean zone for aseptic processing of medicinal products under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Real-time data provided by particle counters allows users to promptly identify and address any particle level deviations that surpass the specified thresholds. This helps ensure that appropriate actions can be taken to maintain a clean and safe environment. Integrating particle counters within BSCs facilitates seamless monitoring and control of the air quality, helping safeguard the operator’s safety and the integrity of the materials being handled.
How do particle counters work?
A particle counter is set to count particles sized 0.5 micrometers in diameter and larger. It samples a full cubic foot of air, providing a count within about a minute. This count allows the classification of the workspace according to ISO 14644-1 standards, which define different classifications of air cleanliness.
In many cases, the air inside a BSC is so clean that it qualifies as an ISO Class 5 area, the standard required for most sterile drug preparations.
Final thoughts
Particle counters are an invaluable tool for confirming the cleanliness of your BSC and helping ensure it is functioning correctly. They are particularly important for GMP and CGT facilities where proof of cleanliness and documentation are required. Moreover, with increasing interest in GMP grade or CGT facilities, the demand for particle counters is on the rise.
Remember, while we can’t see airflow, particle counters provide that extra confidence that your BSC is working as it should. So, whether you need to confirm the cleanliness of your BSC or you’re looking for ways to enhance your lab’s safety procedures, a particle counter could be a great addition to your toolkit.
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