Multi-layer protection. HEPA or ULPA filters remove 99.995% to 99.99995% of particles from incoming air (including aerosolized DNA). Vertical laminar flow creates positive pressure that prevents room air from reaching your samples. UV sterilization decontaminates the work surface between runs, preventing cross-contamination.

No PCR hood eliminates contamination from poor technique - contaminated pipettes, aerosol-generating tube handling, or improper reagent storage. But it eliminates contamination from external sources (room air, previous samples, dust) that cause the majority of false positives in shared lab spaces.

Erlab PCR workstations use vertical laminar flow, where filtered air flows down from the top across your work surface. This protects samples throughout the workspace while allowing you to work comfortably at the front of the cabinet. Horizontal flow pushes air toward the operator, which can blow contamination back into your face.

Yes. PCR hoods are ideal for RNA extraction and handling. The filtered environment prevents RNase contamination from skin, dust, and environmental sources. Many RNA labs use UV sterilization between runs as standard protocol.

EN 1822-1, which defines HEPA and ULPA filter classifications. Our HEPA H14 filters deliver 99.995% efficiency for particles >0.1 μm. Our ULPA U16 filters deliver 99.99995% efficiency at the same size. Both exceed the particle capture needed for PCR contamination control.

Just standard electrical outlets (115V or 230V depending on model). No external ventilation, ductwork, or HVAC modifications required. No make-up air systems needed.

Typically 2-4 hours. ValiPass includes delivery, setup, performance verification, and workflow training. You're operational the same day.

Yes. The mobile PCR hood design means you can relocate as lab needs change - to a different bench, room, or even building. Unplug, roll it to the new location, plug it back in.

Perfect application. Because PCR cabinets don't require ductwork or building modifications, you can install them in leased facilities without landlord approval or construction. When your lease ends, the equipment moves with you.

Depends on your usage volume and environment. The integrated anemometer monitors filter saturation and notifies you when replacement is needed - typically every 12-24 months for particulate filters. UV lamps typically last 9,000 hours (about 3 years of 8-hour daily use).

Through ValiGuard, we'll reassess your needs at no charge. This might mean adjusted maintenance schedules, different pre-filter options, or adding molecular filtration if you're now working with volatile compounds. If your new protocol requires different equipment, we'll tell you honestly.

Filters are designed for quick replacement without contaminating your workspace. Most users complete filter changes in under 10 minutes following the documented procedure. Training is included in ValiPass.

UV sterilization runs between handling operations, not while you're working. The system prevents UV activation when the cabinet is in use. The 254-nm germicidal wavelength is effective for surface decontamination but the lamps are only active during programmed decontamination cycles.

Only for pre-PCR work (sample prep, reagent preparation, reaction setup). Never use the same PCR hood for pre- and post-PCR work. Amplicons from post-PCR analysis will contaminate everything. If you need to handle post-PCR samples, dedicate a separate workspace or hood to post-PCR only.

PCR workstations are widely used for COVID-19 testing workflows, particularly for sample extraction and reaction setup. The combination of HEPA filtration and UV decontamination helps prevent the false positives that plagued many high-throughput COVID testing labs.

Yes, but establish clear protocols. Run UV decontamination between users. Implement workflow discipline (one-way flow from reagents to samples to waste). Consider using our app-based management system to log usage and track which user had which contamination events if they occur.

PCR contamination hood is excellent for this. UV decontamination between assays prevents cross-contamination. Just maintain strict workflow discipline - always work from low-copy to high-copy samples, and decontaminate between different targets.

Your investment includes the PCR enclosure, professional installation (ValiPass), and lifetime support (ValiGuard). Ongoing costs are filter replacement and UV lamp replacement. Compare this to the cost of a single contamination event - lost productivity, burned reagents, delayed results, and regulatory investigation.

Yes. We offer short-term financing, long-term financing, SLED lease programs (for state, local government, and education), deferred payment, and cash flow recovery options.

Standard warranty included. Register your warranty (takes less than 2 minutes) and extend protection by 10 years. Every time you replace your filter through Erlab, your warranty extends by an additional year.

A dedicated PCR room requires construction, HVAC modification, cleanroom-grade finishes, and often months of planning and permitting. Costs typically run $50,000-$200,000+. A PCR workstation costs a fraction of that, installs in hours, and provides comparable contamination control for individual workspaces.

ValiPass includes performance verification data, filter certification, training records, and operational procedures. We provide documentation packages suitable for CLIA, CAP, ISO, and GLP compliance.

No. Our technicians perform initial validation during ValiPass installation. You'll receive documented performance verification. Your quality team may want to add periodic performance checks to your PM schedule, and we'll provide guidance on what to monitor.

Yes. Many ISO 15189, ISO 17025, and ISO 13485 labs use Erlab PCR workstations. We provide the documentation your quality system requires. The EN 1822-1 filter certification and performance verification data support your validation requirements.

If you're working with infectious agents that require containment (not just contamination prevention), you need a biosafety cabinet. BSCs provide negative pressure and HEPA-filtered exhaust to protect the operator and environment, not just the sample. For BSL-2 or higher work, always use a biosafety cabinet.

For large-scale manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, or situations where entire rooms need controlled classification, a cleanroom is appropriate. PCR workstations provide localized clean air for individual workspaces - they're not a replacement for facility-wide cleanroom design.

Yes. If a PCR workstation won't solve your contamination problem, we'll say so. Your sample integrity matters more than any sale. We can suggest reputable biosafety cabinet manufacturers or cleanroom designers when appropriate.