A flow hood, also known as a laminar flow hood, is a specialized piece of equipment used in laboratories to provide a sterile working environment. It uses a fan and a filter system to draw air through a HEPA filter, which removes contaminants and particles. This creates a clean airflow that protects sensitive materials and experiments from airborne pollutants. Flow hoods are commonly used in fields such as microbiology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. They are essential for procedures that require a sterile environment, such as cell culture, where even minor contamination can compromise results.