AirClean Systems AC624LFUV PCR Workstation

AirClean Systems AC624LFUV PCR Workstation with UV Light

The AirClean Systems AC624LFUV is a compact PCR workstation designed to provide an ISO Class 5 clean environment for DNA and RNA manipulation, amplification preparation, and other contamination-sensitive molecular biology procedures. Unlike a conventional horizontal clean bench, the AC624LFUV uses HEPA-filtered vertical laminar airflow combined with UV irradiation to help minimize both airborne particulate contamination and residual DNA/RNA contamination within the workspace.

At only 24 inches wide, the AC624LFUV provides a dedicated PCR preparation area without requiring the laboratory space of a full-size clean bench. The workstation incorporates AirClean's UVTect microprocessor controller, UV and work lighting, a programmable UV timer, safety interlocks, and a clear polycarbonate enclosure for excellent visibility.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the AirClean AC624LFUV is inspected and tested before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.

Key Features

• Compact PCR workstation for DNA and RNA workflows

• ISO Class 5 vertical laminar airflow

• HEPA-filtered clean work environment

• UV light for irradiation of work surfaces and tools between procedures

• UVTect microprocessor controller

• Digital UV timer adjustable from 1–59 minutes

• UV shelf with built-in pipettor holder

• Low-airflow visual and audible alarm

• Real-time monitoring of the installed filtration bed

• Clear polycarbonate enclosure for excellent visibility

• Seamless plastic construction

• Automatic sash and UV safety interlocks

• Quiet operation at less than 49 dBA

• No ductwork required

• Compact 24-inch-wide benchtop design

• Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange

Overview

The AirClean Systems AC624LFUV was developed specifically to help laboratories control contamination during sensitive DNA and RNA procedures. Cross-contamination during amplification workflows can compromise experimental results, consume valuable reagents, and require procedures to be repeated. Creating a dedicated, controlled preparation environment can therefore be particularly valuable for laboratories performing routine PCR and other molecular biology techniques.

During operation, room air passes through prefiltration and then through the workstation's HEPA filtration system. Clean air moves vertically downward into the work chamber, creating an ISO Class 5 environment that helps keep airborne particulate contamination away from samples and reagents.

Between procedures, the integrated UV system can be used according to established laboratory protocols to irradiate work surfaces, pipettors, and other tools placed within the enclosure. AirClean's UVTect controller incorporates a programmable 1–59 minute UV timer, allowing laboratories to standardize UV exposure as part of their contamination-control workflow.

The workstation also includes safety features designed specifically around UV operation. Raising the sash automatically turns off the UV light and activates the blower, helping prevent operator exposure to UV energy while transitioning the workstation back into normal clean-air operation.

Common Applications

The AirClean AC624LFUV is particularly well suited for PCR preparation, DNA amplification workflows, RNA manipulation, reagent preparation, master mix preparation, primer preparation, sample setup, and other molecular biology procedures where minimizing background contamination and cross-contamination is important.

It can also provide a dedicated clean workspace for other nonhazardous molecular biology procedures where protecting samples and reagents from airborne particulate contamination is the primary objective.

The compact enclosure allows laboratories to physically separate pre-amplification preparation from other molecular biology activities, helping support good workflow practices intended to minimize transfer of amplified material into clean preparation areas.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The AirClean Systems AC624LFUV is well suited for molecular biology laboratories, genomics facilities, biotechnology companies, clinical research laboratories, pharmaceutical laboratories, university research facilities, forensic laboratories, diagnostic development facilities, and other laboratories performing PCR or related nucleic-acid workflows.

Its compact 24-inch footprint is particularly useful for laboratories that want to establish a dedicated PCR preparation station without sacrificing the bench space required by a conventional 4-foot or 6-foot clean bench.

The self-contained design also requires no external ductwork, simplifying placement within existing laboratory spaces.

Key Specifications

Refurbishment & Testing

Used PCR workstations should be evaluated carefully before being returned to molecular biology applications where contamination control is important. American Instrument Exchange technicians test the AirClean AC624LFUV to verify proper operation of the controls and blower motor and evaluate the HEPA filter for suitability in laboratory conditions.

The UV system, lighting, controller, alarms, sash operation, and safety functions should also operate correctly before the workstation is placed back into service. AIE thoroughly cleans refurbished equipment prior to shipment, an especially important consideration for equipment intended for contamination-sensitive PCR workflows.

Customers with specific testing requirements are encouraged to discuss their application with AIE before shipment so those requirements can be considered during the refurbishment and testing process.

This refurbished AirClean Systems AC624LFUV includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Certification Readiness & Service

Proper HEPA filter integrity and airflow performance are essential to maintaining the ISO Class 5 environment provided by the AC624LFUV. The UVTect controller continuously monitors filtration conditions and provides both visual and audible warnings if inadequate airflow is detected.

Following transportation and installation, laboratories should evaluate the workstation according to their applicable quality procedures before placing it into critical PCR service.

American Instrument Exchange works with AIE Laboratory Services to support laboratory airflow equipment throughout Greater Boston and New England. Services can include airflow testing, HEPA filter evaluation and replacement, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and repair of clean benches and related laboratory equipment.

Shipping & Installation

One advantage of the AirClean AC624LFUV is its compact, self-contained design. Measuring only approximately 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 30 inches high, the workstation can be positioned on an appropriate laboratory bench without requiring the floor space associated with a conventional full-size clean bench.

No external ductwork is required. AirClean designed the AC600 Series PCR workstations to arrive fully assembled and operate from an appropriate standard electrical outlet, simplifying installation and relocation within the laboratory.

Laboratories should provide a stable supporting surface and sufficient clearance for proper operation. The final location should also support a logical molecular biology workflow, particularly when the workstation is being used as a dedicated pre-amplification PCR preparation area.

Related Equipment

Laboratories considering the AirClean AC624LFUV can explore additional clean benches and laminar flow hoods available from American Instrument Exchange for contamination-sensitive laboratory procedures.

Larger horizontal and vertical laminar flow clean benches may be preferable when applications require substantially more working space than the compact AC624LFUV provides.

For procedures involving infectious or potentially biohazardous materials requiring personnel and environmental containment, laboratories should instead consider an appropriate biosafety cabinet.

American Instrument Exchange also carries complementary laboratory equipment including centrifuges, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, and incubators.

PCR Workstation vs. Biosafety Cabinet

The AirClean AC624LFUV is a PCR workstation designed for process and sample protection rather than a biosafety cabinet designed for biological containment.

Its HEPA-filtered vertical laminar airflow helps create an ISO Class 5 environment for contamination-sensitive DNA and RNA procedures, while the integrated UV system provides an additional method for treating surfaces and tools between amplification workflows.

These features should not be confused with the personnel and environmental protection provided by an appropriate Class II biosafety cabinet. The AC624LFUV should not be used as a substitute for a biosafety cabinet when working with infectious agents, biohazardous samples, or other materials requiring biological containment.

Laboratories handling those materials should select an appropriate biosafety cabinet. For nonhazardous PCR preparation where protection from background and cross-contamination is the primary concern, the AC624LFUV provides a purpose-built solution.

AirClean Systems AC624LFUV Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AirClean AC624LFUV designed for?

The AC624LFUV is specifically designed to provide a clean, controlled workspace for DNA and RNA manipulation and amplification preparation. It combines ISO Class 5 HEPA-filtered vertical airflow with UV irradiation to help reduce airborne and surface contamination during sensitive molecular biology workflows.

What is the difference between a PCR workstation and a standard clean bench?

A general-purpose clean bench provides HEPA-filtered airflow to protect nonhazardous samples from airborne particulate contamination. The AC624LFUV adds features specifically useful for PCR workflows, including integrated UV irradiation, a programmable UV timer, UV safety interlocks, and a UV shelf with pipettor storage.

How large is the AirClean AC624LFUV?

The workstation measures approximately 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 30 inches high. Its interior workspace measures approximately 23 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 18 inches high.

Does the AC624LFUV include UV light?

Yes. UV irradiation is an integral feature of the AC624LFUV. The workstation includes a programmable digital UV timer adjustable from 1 to 59 minutes.

What does the UVTect controller do?

The UVTect microprocessor controller manages workstation functions and monitors filtration conditions. The system provides real-time filtration monitoring and can warn the operator visually and audibly if insufficient airflow is detected.

Does the AC624LFUV protect the operator from UV exposure?

The workstation incorporates several UV safety features. Its overlapping polycarbonate sash helps contain UV energy, and a safety interlock automatically turns off the UV light and activates the blower when the sash is raised. Operators should still follow manufacturer instructions and their laboratory's UV safety procedures.

Does the AC624LFUV require ductwork?

No. The workstation is self-contained and does not require connection to external ductwork.

Is the AirClean AC624LFUV a biosafety cabinet?

No. The AC624LFUV is a PCR workstation intended primarily to protect samples and processes from contamination. It should not be substituted for an appropriate biosafety cabinet when handling biohazardous materials requiring personnel and environmental containment.

Does American Instrument Exchange test refurbished PCR workstations?

Yes. American Instrument Exchange tests refurbished clean benches and PCR workstations before shipment, including evaluation of the controls, blower operation, and HEPA filtration system. The equipment is also thoroughly cleaned before shipment.

Does the AirClean AC624LFUV include a warranty?

Yes. This refurbished AirClean Systems AC624LFUV includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.