Biosafety cabinets (BSC) use which type of filter to remove aerosols?

Biosafety cabinets (BSC) utilize HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to effectively remove aerosols from the air. HEPA filters are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, which includes a wide range of biological aerosols. This capability is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and protecting both laboratory personnel and the surrounding area from harmful biological agents.

The use of HEPA filters in BSCs ensures that any airborne contaminants are efficiently trapped before the air is recirculated back into the cabinet or exhausted outside, providing a safe working environment when handling infectious materials. The performance and reliability of HEPA filters are why they are universally recognized and mandated for use in laboratories handling sensitive biological specimens. Other filter types, while they may serve specific functions in different contexts, do not offer the same level of protection as HEPA filters in biosafety cabinets.