Tissue Culture Hood
A tissue culture hood, also known as a laminar flow hood or biosafety cabinet, is a piece of laboratory equipment used to provide a clean and sterile environment for the handling and culturing of cells and tissues. These hoods are essential in cell culture work to protect both the samples from contamination and the laboratory personnel from exposure to potentially hazardous biological agents.
Here are the main types and features of tissue culture hoods:
1. Laminar Flow Hood
- Horizontal Laminar Flow Hood: Provides a continuous flow of HEPA-filtered air over the work surface, protecting the samples from contamination. Air flows horizontally towards the user, so it is not suitable for working with hazardous materials.
- Vertical Laminar Flow Hood: Air flows vertically downwards and is exhausted at the front of the hood. This type offers better protection for the user, making it more suitable for some types of sterile work.
2. Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)
- Class I BSC: Offers personnel and environmental protection but does not protect the sample. Air is drawn into the cabinet and filtered before being exhausted, providing some protection to the user.
- Class II BSC: Provides both product and personnel protection. Air is drawn through a HEPA filter before reaching the work surface and is also filtered before being exhausted. This is the most common type of hood used for tissue culture.
- Class III BSC: Provides the highest level of protection. It is a gas-tight enclosure with a HEPA-filtered air supply and exhaust, and work is conducted through attached gloves. It is used for high-risk biological agents.
Features of Tissue Culture Hoods:
- HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are used to trap particles and microorganisms, ensuring a sterile environment.
- UV Light: Some hoods are equipped with UV lights to sterilize the interior surface when not in use.
- Airflow: Designed to maintain a steady, unidirectional flow of air to keep contaminants out of the work area.
- Work Surface: Typically made of stainless steel, which is easy to clean and resistant to chemicals.
- Control Systems: Modern hoods have sophisticated control systems to monitor airflow, filter integrity, and other parameters to ensure a safe working environment.
Best Practices for Using Tissue Culture Hoods:
- Always disinfect the work surface before and after use.
- Allow the hood to run for a few minutes before starting work to purge contaminants.
- Minimize movement and avoid placing items that could obstruct airflow inside the hood.
- Regularly change HEPA filters as per manufacturer guidelines to maintain efficiency.
- Ensure that all materials and equipment are sterile before placing them in the hood.
Using tissue culture hoods correctly is critical for successful cell culture work and safety in the lab.
