BACTERIOLOGY


Performance validation of a novel laminar flow anaerobic workstation


Microbiologists from the Don Whitley Scientific microbiology laboratory led by Charlotte Austin, recently carried out a performance validation of the Whitley A135 GMP laminar flow anaerobic workstation using Bacillus atrophaeus spore suspension. Pathology in Practice reproduces their report here, which was previously presented in the form of a poster at the 10th European Spores Conference.


Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is crucial for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of pharmaceutical, food and other regulated products. Adhering to GMP


guidelines helps prevent contamination, errors and product failures, safeguarding consumer health and trust. It establishes standardised processes, documentation,


and quality control measures, promoting consistency and reliability throughout the manufacturing chain. In recent years, the increase in the manufacturing of live biotherapeutic products under GMP regulations has stimulated development of the Whitley A135 GMP Workstation. This workstation is a novel device and is unique in comparison to other pharmaceutical isolators or Class II Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSCs). The A135 GMP combines the sterility of unidirectional laminar airflow with an oxygen-free atmosphere, provided by circulating anaerobic gas, within an entirely closed system. Together with positive operating pressure, the workstation can achieve physical isolation of samples within the workspace and provide EU GMP Grade A air cleanliness. The custom-made HEPA filter achieves ISO Class 3 particle counts, whilst most MSCs can only claim ISO Class 5 particle counts.


BS EN 12469:2000 is a standard that outlines the performance criteria for MSCs used in the field of microbiology and biotechnology.1


The standard establishes Don Whitley Scientific microbiologist Charlotte Austin. WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM MAY 2024


requirements for the design, construction and performance of microbiological safety cabinets to ensure the correct handling of samples and the maintenance of environmental integrity. The standard outline requirements are for: airflow and containment, construction, HEPA


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