Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What feature of a biological safety cabinet is essential for ensuring the air quality inside the cabinet?

1. HEPA filter

2. UV light

3. Positive pressure system

4. Glass barrier

The correct answer is: HEPA filter

The HEPA filter is essential for ensuring the air quality inside a biological safety cabinet because it effectively captures particles, including viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, thereby maintaining a sterile environment conducive to safe laboratory work. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and these filters are designed to trap at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This level of filtration is crucial for preventing the escape of hazardous biological agents into the laboratory environment and protects both the user and the surrounding area from exposure to potentially harmful substances. While other features like UV lights can aid in decontamination and glass barriers provide visibility and protection, they do not specifically function to filter and ensure the air quality within the cabinet. Positive pressure systems are typically used in different types of environments and do not contribute to the containment capabilities highlighted by HEPA filters. Therefore, the HEPA filter stands out as the key component for maintaining the requisite air quality in biological safety cabinets.