Which type of biological safety cabinet is designed for work with BSL-4 pathogens?

Class III biological safety cabinets are specifically designed for work with BSL-4 pathogens, which are the highest level of containment for infectious agents that pose a significant risk to health and safety. These cabinets are gas-tight and provide maximum protection for both the user and the environment, as they have an external ventilation system to filter the air and ensure that any biohazardous materials are contained within the cabinet at all times.

Class III cabinets often incorporate features such as glove ports and an airlock system that allows for the safe transfer of materials in and out without compromising the containment environment. This makes them particularly suitable for handling highly pathogenic organisms, such as those associated with certain hemorrhagic fevers and other severe infectious diseases.

Other types of cabinets, like Class I and Class II, offer varying levels of protection but are not sufficient for BSL-4 work. Class II cabinets, for example, are designed for use with BSL-1, BSL-2, and some BSL-3 pathogens, providing a significant degree of safety but lacking the complete separation from the laboratory environment that Class III cabinets maintain. Hence, the characteristics and engineered features of Class III cabinets make them the appropriate choice for handling BSL-4 pathogens.