What is a Flow Hood?
Understanding Flow Hoods
A flow hood generates clean, particle-free air using a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter). The airflow pushes contaminants away from your working area.
There are two types of flow hoods:
There are two types of flow hoods:
Horizontal Flow Hoods: Air flows horizontally across the workspace towards the user.
Vertical Flow Hoods: Air flows vertically from the to of the unit downward.
For Mycology or other lab work, horizontal flow hoods are most commonly used.
Flow hoods are essential tools for maintaining a sterile workspace in mycology, microbiology, and laboratory work.
By directing clean, HEPA-filtered air across the workspace, flow hoods minimize contamination risks when working with cultures, agar plates, and other sensitive materials.
Below is a helpful guide to using a Flow Hood effectively for your home studies.
By directing clean, HEPA-filtered air across the workspace, flow hoods minimize contamination risks when working with cultures, agar plates, and other sensitive materials.
Below is a helpful guide to using a Flow Hood effectively for your home studies.
Preparing your Workspace
1. Clean your surrounding area:
Wipe down the table, walls and nearby surfaces with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Remove clutter and unnecessary objects that can harbor contaminants.
2. Sanitize yourself:
Wash your hands and forearms thoroughly with soap. Wear clean gloves, a lab coat, and a face mask.
3. Sanitize Tools and Equipment:
Wipe tools, containers, and any materials to be placed near the flow hood with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Use sterilized equipment, such as scalpels, tweezers, or inoculation loops.
Wipe down the table, walls and nearby surfaces with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Remove clutter and unnecessary objects that can harbor contaminants.
2. Sanitize yourself:
Wash your hands and forearms thoroughly with soap. Wear clean gloves, a lab coat, and a face mask.
3. Sanitize Tools and Equipment:
Wipe tools, containers, and any materials to be placed near the flow hood with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Use sterilized equipment, such as scalpels, tweezers, or inoculation loops.
Setting up and Using the Flow Hood
1. Turn on the Flow Hood:
Turn on the unit 15-30 minutes before use to allow the HEPA filter to clear out the particles.
2. Arrange your workspace:
Place all tools, agar plates, or materials you will be working with inside of the hood before starting. Avoid reaching in and out unnecessarily.
Maintain a clear flow of air towards your workspace.
Do not block the airflow from the HEPA filter.
3. Work Methodically:
Always keep your hands and tools downstream of the airflow. Avoid placing objects between the filter and your sterile materials.
Work with slow, deliberate movements to avoid disturbing the laminar airflow.
4. Avoid contamination:
Use a sterilized alcohol lamp or flame sterilizer for tools like scalpels or needles.
Never cough, sneeze, or talk over open plates or cultures.
Turn on the unit 15-30 minutes before use to allow the HEPA filter to clear out the particles.
2. Arrange your workspace:
Place all tools, agar plates, or materials you will be working with inside of the hood before starting. Avoid reaching in and out unnecessarily.
Maintain a clear flow of air towards your workspace.
Do not block the airflow from the HEPA filter.
3. Work Methodically:
Always keep your hands and tools downstream of the airflow. Avoid placing objects between the filter and your sterile materials.
Work with slow, deliberate movements to avoid disturbing the laminar airflow.
4. Avoid contamination:
Use a sterilized alcohol lamp or flame sterilizer for tools like scalpels or needles.
Never cough, sneeze, or talk over open plates or cultures.
Post-Work Cleanup
1. Clean the Hood Interior:
Wipe down the entire workspace, including the hood walls and work surface, with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Remove all tools and materials.
2. Sanitize Tools:
Autoclave or sterilize reusable tools before storing.
3. Turn off the Flow Hood:
Once cleanup is complete, power off the hood and cover it to protect it from dust.
Wipe down the entire workspace, including the hood walls and work surface, with 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Remove all tools and materials.
2. Sanitize Tools:
Autoclave or sterilize reusable tools before storing.
3. Turn off the Flow Hood:
Once cleanup is complete, power off the hood and cover it to protect it from dust.
TOP TIPS
Always ensure the HEPA filter is functioning properly. Replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Keep your workspace minimalistic; too many items can obstruct airflow.
Never work outside of the sterile airflow zone.
Practice good sterile techniques: patience, preparation, and cleanliness are key!
Keep your workspace minimalistic; too many items can obstruct airflow.
Never work outside of the sterile airflow zone.
Practice good sterile techniques: patience, preparation, and cleanliness are key!
Common Questions
Common causes of contamination include obstructed airflow, poor sterilization of tools and working outside of the flow of clean air.
Yes, but keeping the area around the hood clean will improve positive results.
The filters generally last 1-2 years, depending on usage. We would strongly recommend following the manufacturer guidelines to be safe!
