Clean Benches

BioAir's AURA PCR cabinet, Provides DNA & RNA neutralized for pre-amplification sample preparation

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Labconco Purifier Filtered PCR Enclosure

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Laminar Flow Hoods (Sterile Hoods): Clean Workspace for Sample Protection

The Laminar Flow Hoods category, also known as Sterile Hoods or Clean Benches, is designed to provide a particle-free and microorganism-free workspace, primarily aimed at protecting the sample or process from external contamination. Unlike biological safety cabinets, these hoods are not designed to protect the user from hazardous materials within the hood, but solely to maintain the sterility of the work area.

Operating Principles: Laminar Flow and HEPA/ULPA Filtration

Laminar flow hoods operate by creating a unidirectional, smooth (laminar) airflow that has passed through high-efficiency HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) or ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filters, which are highly effective (99.99% or higher) at removing particles. This filtered airflow “washes” the work area and prevents contaminating particles from the external environment from entering. The flow can be horizontal (from the back of the hood forward, towards the user) or vertical (from the ceiling of the hood downwards, onto the work surface).

Dedicated PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) workstations, such as those offered in this category, often incorporate UV (ultraviolet) lamps for decontamination of work surfaces between uses. This aims to degrade residual DNA or RNA that could contaminate subsequent samples and lead to false-positive results.

Key Applications of Laminar Flow Hoods

These hoods are essential for a wide range of applications requiring a clean and sterile environment:

• PCR Sample Preparation: Preventing contamination of reaction mixtures with external DNA/RNA.
• Cell and Tissue Culture (Non-hazardous): Working with cultures that do not pose a biological risk to the user.
• Microbiology: Preparing culture media, plating, colony isolation (when the material is non-hazardous).
• Pharmaceuticals: Sterile preparations (like IV admixture), sterility testing.
• Sterile Assembly: Assembling medical devices or sensitive electronic components.
• Optics and Microelectronics: Work requiring high particulate cleanliness.

Quality Solutions from BioAir, Labconco, and Labotal

Labotal offers a range of laminar flow hoods and PCR workstations from leading and respected manufacturers:

• BioAir (Italy): Specializes in controlled environment solutions, offering dedicated PCR workstations like the AURA PCR series, which combine HEPA filtration and UV lighting to create an optimal environment for contamination-free PCR sample preparation.
• Labconco (USA): A long-standing leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment, offering filtered laminar flow hoods from the Purifier series, including models adapted for PCR applications, known for their reliability, build quality, and adherence to strict standards.

The hoods offered provide a high level of workspace cleanliness (typically ISO Class 5), stable and uniform airflow, and features tailored to specific applications. Labotal’s expert team is available to assist you in selecting the most suitable laminar flow hood – whether a horizontal or vertical flow model, a dedicated PCR workstation, or a hood for general applications – considering your unique needs. We provide installation services, training, and ongoing maintenance, including testing and validation to ensure proper performance and standards compliance.

We invite you to review the details of the laminar flow hoods and PCR workstations available in this category. For professional advice, further technical specifications, or a price quote, contact Labotal’s hood specialists.