Personnel protection testing of biological safety cabinets - the superiority of potassium iodide method

Figure 2: KI-DISCUS detection device

Unlike the usual microbiological testing methods, the potassium iodide test is the only test that can verify the safety control performance of the safety cabinet on the spot. It can complete the test results in a short period of time. In the actual detection work, only the number of spots on the filter membrane is required, and the protection factor Apf value is very simply obtained. If the measured protection factor of the front operation port is less than 1×105, there is a biological danger. The method of microbiological detection is time-consuming and laborious. The verification of colony concentration and the purchase of culture medium are time-consuming and difficult to disinfect in the early stage. It is not suitable for continuous on-site inspection. If the residual Bacillus in the environment is not completely disinfected, it is easy to cause detection. False positive. The potassium iodide test method can obtain reliable test results within 45 minutes after the start of the test, and the potassium iodide used does not pollute the laboratory environment. Table 1 simply compares the characteristics of the two test methods.

Table 1: Comparison of potassium iodide method and microbial method

The potassium iodide detection method is fast, accurate, simple, and easy to operate, making it possible to perform large-scale detection of biological safety cabinets. The operation of this biosafety cabinet is carried out in accordance with standard methods, ensuring the safety of the operator and receiving good results. Since the high quality safety and reliability of biosafety cabinets have attracted the attention and attention of all sectors of society, the research on the safety test methods of biosafety cabinets will play a very important role in biosafety and social public safety. Produce significant social benefits.