Laminar Air Flow: Some Important Things You Must Know

Laminar airflow can be referred to as the airflow system where the filtered air through the HEPA filter passes within a certain space at the same velocity and direction. To operate the cabinet, you have to wipe the laminar air flow chamber initially. After this process, you need to sterilize the workstation by switching on the UV light for 10-15 minutes and closing the glass shield.

What is a laminar airflow chamber?

A laminar airflow chamber is an enclosed cabinet that comprises a HEPA-filtered airflow system. It creates an aseptic environment to conduct diverse experiments. This cabinet facilitates unidirectional airflow with little or no obstructions at a uniform velocity. Hence, it’s widely used in laboratories to maintain a dust-free working atmosphere.

Principle of laminar airflow chamber

The functioning of laminar air flow is hugely dependent on a high-efficiency particulate airflow system. It eliminates air-borne contaminants to create a sterile environment. So, it is necessary for microbiological experiments. Apart from high-efficiency particulate air filters, there are two more elements in the form of a filter pad and a fan. These elements are integral for the functioning of the laminar airflow chamber. It’s the fan that sucks the prefiltered air from the pad and the latter traps the air contaminants. Thereafter, the prefiltered air passes through the high-efficiency particulate air filter that eliminates the contaminants like dust, bacteria, fungal spores, etc. The sterile air passes through the functioning area at a uniform direction and speed.

Types of laminar airflow chamber

Given below are the two types of laminar air flow chambers:

1. Vertical airflow chamber: This laminar airflow chamber type is widely used in labs. Here, the room air passes to the HEPA filter vertically from the prefilter via the blower/fan. Air flows in a downward direction from the top of the cabinet. The vertical airflow cabinet doesn’t take up much space. Besides this aspect, it’s safer to use than the horizontal laminar cabinet.
2. Horizontal airflow chamber: In a horizontal airflow chamber, the room air penetrates the HEPA filter positioned at the back of the cabinet. Here, the air moves parallel to the workspace and disinfects the workstation with constant airflow. The user can feel the essence of the effluent air directly.

Uses of laminar airflow

Let’s have a look at the uses of laminar air flow:

1. It’s perfect for conducting plating methods
2. Tissue culture can be performed in the horizontal laminar airflow
3. A vertical laminar airflow is the best place to perform operations associated with hazardous substances.
4. It’s ideal for combating contamination of the particle-sensitive materials.

However, there are certain precautions that you need to follow while operating a laminar airflow cabinet. It’s advisable not to use the lamp and the blower at the same time. Also, remember to sterilize the workspace before and after the experiment. The user must wear a lab coat, mask, and gloves while conducting the experiment.

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