PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsMedium
A pharmacy technician is preparing a compounded sterile product in a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW). Which of the following describes the appropriate airflow pattern within the LAFW?
- AAir flows vertically from the top of the hood to the work surface.
- BAir flows from the sides towards the center of the work surface.
- CAir flows vertically from bottom to top.
- DAir flows horizontally from the back of the hood to the front.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Air flows horizontally from the back of the hood to the front.
A horizontal laminar airflow workbench (LAFW) provides a continuous stream of HEPA-filtered air moving horizontally from the back of the hood across the work surface and out towards the operator, protecting the product from contamination.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes a vertical LAFW, also known as a biological safety cabinet (BSC), not a horizontal LAFW.
- B. This flow pattern would not effectively maintain sterility and could draw contaminants inward.
- C. This is not characteristic of a standard LAFW, which typically has horizontal or vertical flow from top/back.
Laminar Airflow Workbench (LAFW)
A LAFW is a primary engineering control that provides a unidirectional, HEPA-filtered airflow to protect sterile products from particulate and microbial contamination during compounding.
- Can be horizontal or vertical flow.
- Horizontal LAFWs protect the product only.
- Vertical LAFWs (BSCs) protect product, personnel, and environment.
Memory trick: Laminar flow means 'smooth, clean air movement'.