LIMS & Lab Automation


instructions provided by the manufacturer [2,5]. These instructions will often include mapping the downfl ow velocity, testing the BSC’s particle containment, measuring the airfl ow velocities, and the expected smoke patterns [5]. Due to the complexity of custom cabinet design, the manufacturer will need to provide testing instructions and certifi cation requirements both for when the custom BSC is empty and also a methodology for certifi cation when the equipment is installed in the custom BSC. The fi eld certifi er will need to evaluate and certify the custom BSC with an empty work zone and again with the equipment installed since the equipment’s placement will change the downfl ow grid for airfl ow testing. Subsequent custom BSC fi eld certifi cations and any necessary maintenance may warrant surface decontamination of the equipment housed inside of the BSC or fumigation of the entire custom BSC prior to manipulating or disassembling it. As mentioned above, the material compatibility and disinfectant’s effi cacy on biological agents in use in the BSC needs to be reviewed and evaluated before releasing the equipment for certifi cation or maintenance activities. If the custom BSC will be used in the future for new or different equipment than it was designed for, additional smoke testing and consultation with the manufacturer may be required by the certifi er to evaluate and certify the new confi guration [2].


Conclusions


The risk assessment and overall process necessary to design a custom BSC for a piece of equipment that requires containment involves many considerations about the contained equipment, the laboratory environment, the custom BSC, and BSC testing and fi eld certifi cation. These considerations include:


1. The equipment’s dimensions and weight, its sensitivity to vibrations, operating temperature requirements, necessary electrical voltage and amperage, and connection to electricity or other utilities


2. The location of associated equipment and need for processing space


3. The need to access to different sides of the equipment and whether the equipment is permanently installed in the BSC or should be easily removed


4. The need for connection to the building’s exhaust system and optimal location within the laboratory room


5. The custom BSC’s ability to contain aerosols and have its performance fi eld certifi ed


Common considerations for custom BSC design, placement, and certifi cation are presented and detailed above, however, each custom cabinet design and installation will be different and unique based on the equipment, facility, and user needs. This article is intended to facilitate discussions and considerations between the user, safety


subject matter experts, the equipment manufacturer, and the BSC manufacturer. The goals of these discussions are to ensure the custom BSC is:


1. Designed to provide adequate containment, functionality, and access to the equipment installed within the BSC


2. Located in the lab where it can properly function, connect to the building’s utilities, and be operated by the user


3. Able to be fi eld certifi ed with the desired equipment inside the custom cabinet’s work zone


Given the many literal and metaphorical moving parts in the installation, operation, and certifi cation of a custom biosafety cabinet, it is critically important that you approach the design process with an adequate understanding of each part and consult with the necessary experts from the very start.


References:


1. Baron JL. (2022). Biosafety Cabinet Selection in the Context of Risk Assessment: https://www.nuaire.com/en/resources/biosafety-cabinet-selection-in-the-context-of-risk- assessment-white-paper


2. CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition: https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html


3. NSF/ANSI 49 -2020 Biosafety Cabinetry: Design, Construction, Performance, and Field Certifi cation Informative Annex 1: https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/NSF/NSFANSI492020Annex


4. WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual: Risk Assessment monograph: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240011458


5. WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual: Biological Safety Cabinets and Other Primary Containment Devices monograph: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240011335


Science and Safety Consulting provides biosafety and biorisk guidance and training to facilitate safe and secure biological research and to prepare organisations for infectious diseases and pandemics. Science and Safety Consulting also facilitates successful scientifi c communication for technical and non-technical audiences.


Connect with an Expert: www.scienceandsafetyconsulting.com PCR plates for robotic automation applications


Alpha Laboratories Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of Amplify Rigid PCR Plates, designed to set a new standard in laboratory efficiency and reliability. These innovative plates feature a rugged polycarbonate frame, providing a solid and flat surface that ensures seamless interaction with automated liquid handling platforms. This design guarantees a firm grip, allowing robots to place Amplify Rigid PCR Plates with utmost precision, eliminating any concerns of misalignment.


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Pfi zer streamlines LC/UV/MS data processing, analysis, and reporting


Navigating diverse instruments and software in R&D labs is challenging. Pfizer’s Pharmaceutical Small Molecules (PSSM) team faced this with multiple LC/UV/MS data processing tools. This meant that they had to learn multiple interfaces and often resulted in inefficient, and non-standardised data processing, analysis and reporting.


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