Laminar Flow Hood and Biosafety Cabinet: Uses and How to Use It
Laminar Flow Hood and Biosafety Cabinet: Uses and How to Use It
A laminar flow hood (LAF) is a work cabinet that blows HEPA-filtered air in one direction over the work area so samples are protected from contamination. A class II biosafety cabinet (BSC) also protects the user and environment by drawing air in at the front and filtering the exhaust, so it is used for infectious material.
What is a laminar flow hood used for?
- Aseptic inoculation and transfer of microbial cultures.
- Pouring sterile media into Petri dishes.
- Plant tissue culture and cell culture (BSC for human cells and infectious material).
- Preparing sterile items that are harmless to the user (LAF).
Parts of a laminar flow hood
- 1HEPA filter and blower – removes particles from the air
- 2Front glass (sash) – on a BSC, opened to the marked working height
- 3Stainless-steel work surface – easy to disinfect
- 4UV lamp and work light – UV is switched on only when nobody is present
How to use a laminar flow hood
Switch on the blower and wait about 15 minutes
Switch off the UV lamp, turn on the blower and work light (1), then wait about 15 minutes (or as the manual says) for the airflow to stabilise and purge particles.
Disinfect the work surface with 70% ethanol
Spray and wipe the work surface and inner walls with 70% ethanol from back to front (1). Bring in only what you need, also wiped with ethanol.
Work in the middle, away from the front edge
Work at least 10 cm inside the cabinet (1) with slow movements. Do not block the front or rear grilles, and do not use a Bunsen burner in a BSC because it disrupts the airflow.
Clean, close, then UV with nobody present
When finished, remove everything, disinfect the surface, leave the blower running a few minutes, lower the sash and switch on the UV (1) only when nobody is in the room.
Common mistakes
- Running the UV lamp while working: UV damages skin and eyes.
- Using a laminar flow hood (air blowing at the user) for infectious material: the user is exposed. Use a biosafety cabinet.
Care and safety
- Disinfect the work surface before and after every use.
- Have airflow velocity and HEPA integrity tested by a certified technician at least annually; replace UV lamps by hours of use.
SOP for using a laminar flow hood
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a laminar flow hood that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A long-sleeved lab coat with elastic cuffs and nitrile gloves pulled over the cuffs.
- A mask and other equipment matching the biosafety level of the material.
2Before use
- Only users trained by the instrument supervisor may operate it alone; read the manufacturer's manual.
- Switch the UV off before approaching; run the blower for about 15 minutes.
- The airflow indicator or alarm shows normal; the BSC sash is at the marked working height.
- The surface is disinfected with 70% ethanol; only needed items are inside.
3Procedure
4After use
- Close and remove all containers; put waste in autoclave bags.
- Disinfect the surface and walls and leave the blower running a few minutes.
- Lower the sash, switch off the blower, run UV only with the room empty; record use in the log.
5Verification & calibration
- Annual and post-move testing of airflow velocity, HEPA integrity (DOP/PAO test) and flow pattern by a certified technician.
- Replace UV lamps at the hours the manufacturer recommends.
6Emergencies
- Spill inside the cabinet: keep the blower running, cover with tissue, add disinfectant, leave for the contact time, then clean up.
- Airflow alarm: stop work, close containers and do not continue until the airflow is normal.
- Smoke, burning smell or electric shock: switch off at the socket if safe, never use water, use a CO₂ extinguisher and report it.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Horizontal LAFs (air from the back towards the user) and vertical LAFs (air from top to bottom) protect only the sample. Class I BSCs protect the user; class II (e.g. type A2) protect user, sample and environment and are most common in microbiology labs; class III are fully enclosed for high-hazard agents.
Laminar Flow Hood and Biosafety Cabinet at AMI Scientific
Examples of laminar flow hood available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Ossila Laminar Flow Hood L2008A1From Rp112.084.000
Lemari Laminar Aliran Vertikal Infitek LCB-V800JFrom Rp37.720.000
Lemari Laminar Aliran Vertikal Infitek LCB-V4FFrom Rp54.090.000
Lemari Biosafety Kelas II A2 Infitek BSC-IIA2-2JFrom Rp73.980.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a laminar flow hood and a biosafety cabinet?
A laminar flow hood only protects the sample. A class II biosafety cabinet protects the sample, the user and the environment, so it is required for infectious material.
How long should the hood run before use?
Usually about 15 minutes, or as the manufacturer recommends, so the airflow stabilises.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a laminar flow hood for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Ossila Laminar Flow Hood L2008A1
From Rp112.084.000