UNIT-3
Laminar flow
A Laminar flow hood/cabinet is an enclosed workstation that is used to create a contamination-
free work environment.
Components/ Parts of Laminar flow hood
A laminar flow cabinet consists of the following parts:
1. Cabinet
• The cabinet is made up of stainless steel with less or no gaps or joints preventing the
collection of spores.
• The cabinet protect inner environment of laminar flow from the outside environment.
• The front of the cabinet is provided with a glass shield which in some laminar cabinets
opens entirely or in some has two openings for the user’s hands to enter the cabinet.
2. Working station
• A flat working station is present inside the cabinet for all the processes to be taken
place.
• Sterilized culture plates loops, burner, etc are generally placed on the working station.
Avoid keeping too much item inside the work station.
• The worktop is also made up of stainless steel to prevent rusting.
3. Filter pad/ Pre-filter
• A filter pad is present either on the top or in the bottom area of the cabinet through
which the filtered air passes into the cabinet.
• The filter pad traps dust particles and some microbes from entering the working
environment within the cabinet.
4. Fan/ Blower
• A fan is present below the filter pad that sucks in the air and moves it around in the
cabinet.
• The fan also allows the movement of air towards the HEPA filter sp that the remaining
microbes become trapped while passing through the filter.
5. UV lamp
• Some laminar flow hoods might have a UV germicidal lamp that sterilizes the interior
of the cabinet and contents before the operation.
Laminar flow
A Laminar flow hood/cabinet is an enclosed workstation that is used to create a contamination-
free work environment.
Components/ Parts of Laminar flow hood
A laminar flow cabinet consists of the following parts:
1. Cabinet
• The cabinet is made up of stainless steel with less or no gaps or joints preventing the
collection of spores.
• The cabinet protect inner environment of laminar flow from the outside environment.
• The front of the cabinet is provided with a glass shield which in some laminar cabinets
opens entirely or in some has two openings for the user’s hands to enter the cabinet.
2. Working station
• A flat working station is present inside the cabinet for all the processes to be taken
place.
• Sterilized culture plates loops, burner, etc are generally placed on the working station.
Avoid keeping too much item inside the work station.
• The worktop is also made up of stainless steel to prevent rusting.
3. Filter pad/ Pre-filter
• A filter pad is present either on the top or in the bottom area of the cabinet through
which the filtered air passes into the cabinet.
• The filter pad traps dust particles and some microbes from entering the working
environment within the cabinet.
4. Fan/ Blower
• A fan is present below the filter pad that sucks in the air and moves it around in the
cabinet.
• The fan also allows the movement of air towards the HEPA filter sp that the remaining
microbes become trapped while passing through the filter.
5. UV lamp
• Some laminar flow hoods might have a UV germicidal lamp that sterilizes the interior
of the cabinet and contents before the operation.
