Can Class II Biological Safety Cabinet designs be improved to reduce laboratory-associated infections?

This project was submitted by Gregor Riese. It was a runner-up for the “Novel Research (Qualitative)” prize in our Pandemics course (Sept 2024). Participants worked on these projects for 4 weeks. The text below is an excerpt from the final project.

Abstract

Class II Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) are the primary containment device protecting workers in BSL2, BSL3 and BSL4 laboratories. BSCs rely on High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and negative pressure to entrap aerosolised pathogens and limiting the risk of laboratory workers being exposed. This paper examines the performance of Class II BSCs in seeking to limit laboratory associated infections (LAIs). We also examine modifications to Class II BSCs which could reduce the risks of LAIs.

Full project

You can view the full project here.