Biosafety cabinet

Biosafety cabinet
A microbiologist performing influenza research within a biosafety cabinet
AcronymBSC
Other namesBiological safety cabinet, microbiological safety cabinet
UsesBiocontainment
Related itemsLaminar flow cabinet
Fume hood
Glove box

A biosafety cabinet (BSC)—also called a biological safety cabinet or microbiological safety cabinet—is an enclosed, ventilated laboratory workspace for safely working with materials contaminated with (or potentially contaminated with) pathogens requiring a defined biosafety level. Several different types of BSC exist, differentiated by the degree of biocontainment they provide. BSCs first became commercially available in 1950.