Bag-in-Bag-out technology: Revolutionizing detection methods in biosafety P3/P4 and CB protection

In the field of biosafety and chemical and biological (CB) protection, traditional aerosol detection methods have been an important means of monitoring airborne microorganisms or harmful chemicals. However, with the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of protection requirements, Bag-in-Bag-out technology, as an innovative means of protection and detection, is gradually showing its unique advantages, and is in stark contrast to traditional aerosol detection methods.

Overview of Bag-in-Bag-out technology

Bag-in-Bag-out technology, as the name suggests, refers to the safe delivery of items or equipment into and out of a designated area through a sealed bag when handling highly hazardous substances, ensuring that there is no direct contact with the outside environment throughout the process, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-infection. In biosafety P3/P4 laboratories and CB protected environments, this technology is widely used in high-risk operations such as filter replacement and sample transfer. The biggest feature of the Bag-in-Bag-out filter is that the installation, replacement and detection of the filter are all carried out under the protection of PVC bags (or high-temperature bags), and the filter unit is not in contact with the outside air at all, so as to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment, making the replacement process convenient and fast.

Limitations of traditional aerosol detection methods

Traditional aerosol detection methods mainly collect aerosol samples in the air and use specific analytical instruments to assess the concentration and types of microorganisms or harmful chemicals in the air. While this method can provide accurate data in most cases, its limitations should not be overlooked:

1. Risk of exposure: During the process of collecting samples, operators may be directly exposed to harmful environments, increasing the risk of cross-infection.

2. Operational complexity: The installation, calibration and maintenance of sampling equipment are relatively complex, requiring professional skills and strict operating procedures.

3. Lack of real-time performance: Traditional methods often need to take samples at specific time points and locations, making it difficult to achieve continuous real-time monitoring of air quality.

The difference between Bag-in-Bag-out technology and traditional aerosol detection methods

1. Operational safety:

Bag-in-Bag-out: Through the whole process of sealing operation, it is ensured that the items or equipment do not come into contact with the environment during transportation and handling, which greatly reduces the risk of cross-infection.

Traditional aerosol testing: Operators are directly exposed to the sampling environment, which poses a high safety risk.

2. Detection efficiency and accuracy:

3. Bag in and bag out combined with internal detection: detection in the bag or in a closed environment, which reduces external interference and improves the accuracy and efficiency of detection. For example, when changing a filter, the filtration efficiency can be tested directly inside the bag.Traditional aerosol detection: Affected by various factors such as sampling location, time, and environment, the detection results may fluctuate and have errors.

Experimental Testing:

The detection unit is adjacent to the filter surface composed of the filter and its frame, and a sampling device is set up at a distance of 1 inch (25 mm) from the filter surface, and the sampling device will make a serpentine movement along the entire filter surface, and the moving speed is up to 10 fpm (50 mm/s), so that the filter surface and sealing area of the filter equipment can be detected on time at any time or according to the requirements of use, the whole set of detection device is also enclosed in the box with a PVC bag, and the sampling and analysis device is connected to the outside of the box through a quick connector. In addition, all sampling ports are equipped with small HEPA, which also ensures the tightness and safety of the entire detection section.

It has been proved by experiments that this detection method can completely simulate and replace the traditional aerosol detection method, and there are obvious advantages compared with the traditional method, which can save the mixed flow section air duct of 10 times the diameter length of the upstream and downstream of the filter required by the traditional method, so as to ensure that the filtration equipment is close to the exhaust outlet to the greatest extent, improve the safety of the whole system, and save a lot of air duct installation space.

Conclusion

With its unique operational safety and efficient detection methods, Bag-in-Bag-out technology has shown great application potential in the field of biosafety P3/P4 and CB protection. Compared with traditional aerosol detection methods, it has significant advantages in reducing the risk of cross-infection, improving detection efficiency and accuracy, and achieving real-time continuous monitoring. With the continuous development and improvement of technology, Bag-in-Bag-out technology will be promoted and applied in more fields to provide more reliable guarantee for biosecurity and chemical protection.