Mystaire CleanPrep MY-DB48 48" PCR Dead Air Box
The Mystaire CleanPrep MY-DB48 is a 48-inch circulation-free PCR workstation designed to create a dedicated work area for sensitive DNA and RNA amplification workflows. Available from American Instrument Exchange, this benchtop dead air box helps laboratories reduce the risk of cross-contamination during PCR setup by separating sensitive pre-amplification procedures from the surrounding laboratory environment.
Unlike a chemical fume hood, biosafety cabinet, or HEPA-filtered enclosure, the CleanPrep does not rely on moving air to create its working environment. Instead, the circulation-free design minimizes air movement within the enclosure while a timed shortwave UV light provides a convenient method for decontaminating exposed interior surfaces between amplification procedures.
The MY-DB48 provides a generous 48-inch-wide workspace for PCR preparation, reagent setup, pipetting, and molecular biology procedures. Seamless thermally fused polypropylene construction offers excellent chemical resistance and simplifies routine cleaning, while the clear polycarbonate access panel provides visibility into the work area.
Key Features
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Mystaire CleanPrep MY-DB48 PCR dead air box
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48-inch-wide circulation-free PCR workstation
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Designed to help reduce cross-contamination during PCR amplification workflows
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No blower, exhaust connection, or HEPA filtration required
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Seamless thermally fused polypropylene construction
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Clear polycarbonate access panel
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Timed shortwave UV light for interior decontamination
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0–15 minute UV timer
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Safety position switch helps prevent UV exposure when the enclosure is open
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UV shelf with integrated holder for up to four pipettors
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Dedicated work-area illumination
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Lightweight benchtop design
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110 V electrical requirements
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Approximately 48" W × 24" D × 29.5" H exterior dimensions
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90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for PCR Contamination Control
PCR workflows are extremely sensitive to contamination. Small quantities of previously amplified DNA, environmental material, or contamination transferred from pipettes and laboratory surfaces can interfere with subsequent reactions and potentially produce inaccurate results.
The Mystaire CleanPrep provides a dedicated enclosure for PCR preparation without introducing the air currents associated with conventional ventilated laboratory equipment. This circulation-free environment makes it well suited for reagent preparation, pipetting, master mix setup, and other pre-amplification procedures where minimizing contamination is a priority.
Separating PCR setup from general laboratory activities can also help laboratories establish more consistent molecular biology workflows by creating a workstation reserved specifically for clean preparation procedures.
UV Decontamination Between PCR Procedures
A timed shortwave UV light is integrated into the CleanPrep to support decontamination of exposed interior surfaces between amplification procedures. The operator can select a UV cycle of up to 15 minutes, providing a repeatable method for treating the work area after cleaning.
The clear polycarbonate access panel incorporates an overlap and safety position switch designed to prevent potentially harmful UV radiation from escaping the enclosure during normal use.
When the enclosure is opened for laboratory work, the UV function is disabled. This allows operators to access the workspace without exposure to the UV source.
UV treatment should be used as part of an appropriate laboratory contamination-control procedure and does not replace routine physical cleaning and decontamination of work surfaces, pipettes, and other equipment.
Seamless Polypropylene Work Area
The CleanPrep enclosure is constructed from thermally fused polypropylene, creating a smooth work area that is resistant to many commonly used laboratory chemicals and does not readily absorb moisture.
This construction is particularly advantageous for PCR applications because interior surfaces can be cleaned and decontaminated between procedures using appropriate laboratory disinfectants.
The seamless design also minimizes joints and crevices where spilled reagents or contaminants might otherwise accumulate, simplifying routine workstation maintenance.
Spacious 48-Inch PCR Workstation
The MY-DB48 is the largest of Mystaire's standard CleanPrep dead air box configurations. Measuring approximately 48" W × 24" D × 29.5" H externally, it provides substantially more working room than the smaller 24-inch and 36-inch versions.
Interior dimensions are approximately 47.5" W × 20" D × 29" H, providing room for pipettes, racks, PCR tubes and plates, reagent containers, small laboratory instruments, and other equipment commonly used during molecular biology sample preparation.
The generous width can also support workflows involving multiple pipettes or several reagent and sample racks without crowding the primary work area.
Pipette Storage and Workspace Organization
An integrated UV shelf includes storage for up to four pipettors, allowing frequently used pipettes to remain inside the dedicated PCR workstation.
Keeping pipettes associated with pre-amplification work inside the enclosure can help laboratories maintain separation between clean PCR preparation equipment and instruments used elsewhere in the laboratory.
The shelf also exposes stored pipettes to the UV-treated interior environment during appropriate decontamination cycles, although laboratories should always follow pipette manufacturer recommendations regarding UV exposure and cleaning.
Common Applications
The Mystaire CleanPrep MY-DB48 is designed primarily for molecular biology workflows where minimizing contamination during sample and reagent preparation is important. Typical applications include PCR setup, qPCR preparation, DNA amplification workflows, RNA-related workflows, reagent preparation, master mix preparation, pipetting, sample aliquoting, and other pre-amplification molecular biology procedures.
The workstation can be particularly useful for laboratories establishing separate pre-PCR and post-PCR work areas as part of a contamination-control strategy.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The CleanPrep MY-DB48 is well suited for molecular biology laboratories, biotechnology research facilities, clinical research laboratories, pharmaceutical laboratories, university research facilities, genetics laboratories, diagnostic research environments, forensic laboratories, and other facilities performing PCR or related nucleic-acid amplification procedures.
Its benchtop configuration makes it particularly useful when a laboratory needs a dedicated PCR preparation area but does not require the personnel or product protection provided by a biosafety cabinet.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Mystaire |
| Product Line |
CleanPrep |
| Model |
MY-DB48 |
| AIE Product Code |
2912F HOOD |
| Product Type |
PCR Dead Air Box / PCR Workstation |
| Nominal Width |
48 inches |
| Exterior Dimensions |
48" W × 24" D × 29.5" H |
| Interior Dimensions |
Approx. 47.5" W × 20" D × 29" H |
| Sash / Access Width |
Approx. 46" |
| Access Opening Heights |
Approx. 10.5" / 23" |
| Construction |
Thermally fused polypropylene |
| Access Panel |
Clear polycarbonate |
| Air Circulation |
None |
| HEPA Filtration |
None |
| Exhaust Connection |
Not required |
| UV Light |
Shortwave UV |
| UV Timer |
0–15 minutes |
| Pipette Capacity |
Up to 4 pipettors |
| Work Area Lighting |
Included |
| Electrical |
110 V |
| Power |
Approx. 100 W |
| Weight |
Approx. 90 lb |
| Condition |
Used |
| Warranty |
90 days |
No Blower, Ductwork, or HEPA Filtration Required
The CleanPrep is fundamentally different from a chemical fume hood, laminar flow clean bench, or biosafety cabinet. It is intentionally designed as a circulation-free enclosure and therefore does not require a blower, facility exhaust connection, or HEPA filtration system.
This makes installation relatively straightforward. The workstation can be positioned on a suitable laboratory bench near the required electrical service without the ductwork and HVAC modifications associated with a conventional chemical fume hood.
The lack of airflow is intentional for its PCR contamination-control application; it should not be interpreted as providing containment of hazardous fumes, aerosols, or biological agents.
Choosing a PCR Dead Air Box vs. a Biosafety Cabinet
A PCR dead air box and a biosafety cabinet perform very different functions.
The CleanPrep MY-DB48 is intended to establish a dedicated, circulation-free workspace that helps reduce contamination during sensitive PCR preparation. It does not provide personnel protection and should not be used as a substitute for a biosafety cabinet when procedures involve infectious or potentially hazardous biological materials requiring containment.
A Class II biosafety cabinet uses controlled airflow and HEPA filtration to provide personnel, product, and environmental protection for appropriate biological procedures.
For nonhazardous PCR setup where the primary concern is preventing contamination of the amplification reaction, the simpler circulation-free CleanPrep design can provide a practical and cost-effective dedicated workstation.
Why Buy a Used PCR Workstation from American Instrument Exchange?
A used PCR workstation can provide laboratories with an economical way to establish a dedicated pre-amplification work area without the expense and installation requirements associated with more complex containment equipment.
American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished laboratory equipment for molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and research laboratories. In addition to PCR workstations and laboratory enclosures, AIE offers analytical balances, centrifuges, incubators, cold storage equipment, biosafety cabinets, and other equipment commonly required for complete laboratory workflows.
This Mystaire CleanPrep MY-DB48 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mystaire CleanPrep MY-DB48 used for?
The MY-DB48 is designed primarily for PCR preparation and other sensitive molecular biology procedures. It provides a dedicated circulation-free work area for pipetting, reagent preparation, master mix setup, and related pre-amplification procedures.
Does the CleanPrep MY-DB48 have HEPA filtration?
No. The CleanPrep is intentionally designed as a circulation-free dead air box. It does not use a blower or HEPA filtration system.
What does the UV light do?
The integrated shortwave UV light can be used to treat exposed surfaces inside the enclosure between PCR procedures as part of a laboratory contamination-control protocol. A timer allows UV cycles of up to 15 minutes.
Does the UV light operate while the enclosure is open?
The CleanPrep incorporates a safety position switch associated with the clear access panel to help prevent operation of the UV source when the enclosure is open.
Is the CleanPrep a biosafety cabinet?
No. The CleanPrep does not provide the controlled airflow and HEPA filtration associated with a biosafety cabinet and should not be relied upon for personnel containment of hazardous biological materials.
Is the CleanPrep a chemical fume hood?
No. The enclosure has no exhaust system and is not designed to remove hazardous chemical vapors from the laboratory. Procedures involving hazardous fumes or volatile chemicals should be performed using an appropriate chemical fume hood or other suitable containment equipment.
Why use a dead air box for PCR?
A circulation-free enclosure creates a dedicated work area with minimal air movement, helping laboratories separate sensitive PCR preparation from surrounding laboratory activity. Combined with careful cleaning, dedicated pipettes, and appropriate UV treatment, this can help reduce opportunities for cross-contamination during amplification workflows.
