A Pass Box is an interlocking transfer hatch built into cleanroom walls in a QC Microbiology lab. It allows samples, media, and tools to be moved into or out of testing areas without personnel having to enter or exit.
Core Purpose & Benefits
Prevents Contamination: Eliminates unnecessary gowning/movement, stopping airborne contaminants from entering clean zones.
Preserves Air Pressure: Maintains positive or negative cleanroom pressure differentials during item transfers.
Safe Material Movement: Used to bring in sterile media, raw materials, and sampling plates, or to move out spent cultures and waste.
Key Features
Mechanical/Electrical Interlock: Prevents both doors from opening simultaneously, blocking direct airflow between rooms.
UV-C Lamp (254\text{ nm}): Surface-decontaminates items between transfers via timed exposure cycles.SS 304/316
Stainless Steel: Smooth, non-porous design built to withstand frequent wipe-downs with 70% IPA.
Static vs. Dynamic
Static Pass Box: No air filtration; used for transfers between rooms of the same cleanliness grade.
Dynamic Pass Box: Built-in HEPA fan filter unit; creates a laminar air shower for transfers between different cleanliness grades.
