PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Patient Safety and Quality AssuranceEasy
A pharmacy technician is preparing a sterile compound in a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW). Which of the following actions is MOST critical to prevent contamination?
- AWashing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- BPlacing all necessary supplies in the LAFW before beginning compounding.
- CWearing a clean, non-shedding lab coat over street clothes.
- DWiping down the workbench with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing it to air dry.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Wiping down the workbench with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing it to air dry.
Proper disinfection of the LAFW with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing it to air dry is a critical step to ensure a sterile environment. This removes potential contaminants from surfaces before sterile compounding begins.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Handwashing is essential for personal hygiene, but it's a prerequisite to garbing and doesn't directly address surface contamination within the LAFW.
- B. Placing supplies in the LAFW is necessary, but without proper disinfection of the workspace first, contamination is still possible.
- C. Wearing a lab coat is important, but less direct in preventing contamination within the sterile field itself compared to surface disinfection.
LAFW Disinfection
The process of cleaning a Laminar Airflow Workbench (LAFW) with a sterilizing agent, typically 70% isopropyl alcohol, to create a sterile compounding environment.
- Performed before each use and after spills.
- Wipe from back to front, top to bottom.
- Allow to air dry completely for maximum efficacy.
Memory trick: Clean workspace, clean hands, clean air.