What is the purpose of a biological safety cabinet?

A biological safety cabinet is designed specifically to provide a safe workspace for handling hazardous biological materials, which is critical in laboratories that work with infectious agents, toxins, and other potentially harmful biological substances. This type of cabinet helps to contain aerosols and protect the user, the environment, and the samples being handled.

It employs a combination of air filtration and controlled airflow to minimize exposure to harmful pathogens and to prevent contamination of the workspace and the external environment. The cabinet also provides a sterile area where sensitive samples can be worked on without introducing contaminants, thereby ensuring the integrity of biological research.

Thus, the primary purpose of a biological safety cabinet aligns closely with the need for a safe and controlled environment when dealing with hazardous biological materials. This is crucial for laboratory safety and compliance with health regulations.