PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsEasy
A pharmacy technician is preparing a sterile intravenous admixture in a laminar airflow workbench. Which of the following components should be wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol before being placed into the workbench?
- AThe sterile needle and syringe
- BThe rubber stopper of the medication vial
- CThe inner surface of the workbench
- DThe technician's gloved hands
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The rubber stopper of the medication vial
Before introducing any item into the sterile environment of a laminar airflow workbench, its critical surfaces must be disinfected to prevent contamination of the sterile product.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sterile needles and syringes are already packaged as sterile and should not be wiped with alcohol, as it could compromise their sterility or leave residue.
- C. The workbench inner surface is cleaned regularly, but not every time a component is placed inside.
- D. Gloved hands are disinfected, but the question asks about components placed *into* the workbench.
Aseptic Technique (Compounding)
A set of procedures used in sterile compounding to prevent contamination of sterile preparations.
- Maintains sterility of compounded sterile products (CSPs).
- Includes hand hygiene, garbing, and disinfection of critical sites.
- Performed within a controlled environment like a laminar airflow workbench.
Memory trick: Clean Hands, Clean Vials, Clean Air, Clean You.