PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsEasy
A pharmacy technician is preparing a compounded sterile product (CSP) in a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW). Which of the following is the most critical step to perform immediately before beginning the compounding process inside the LAFW?
- AWiping down the work surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- BPerforming a hand hygiene scrub.
- CDonning sterile gloves.
- DReviewing the compounding formula.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Wiping down the work surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
After proper hand hygiene and garbing, wiping down the LAFW work surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol is critical to disinfect it and remove any particulate matter immediately before compounding. This ensures a clean and sterile environment for the CSP.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Hand hygiene (scrub) is performed before garbing and entering the cleanroom, not inside the LAFW just before compounding.
- C. Sterile gloves are donned after the workbench is cleaned and immediately before aseptic manipulation, but not the very first step inside the LAFW.
- D. Reviewing the formula is important but typically done before entering the cleanroom or preparing to work in the LAFW, not immediately before starting manipulations inside it.
LAFW Surface Disinfection
The process of cleaning the interior surfaces of a Laminar Airflow Workbench (LAFW) to maintain a sterile environment for sterile compounding.
- Performed immediately before compounding activities.
- Uses sterile 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).
- Wipe from back to front, top to bottom, to sweep contaminants out.
Memory trick: Clean Workbench Before Compounding Commences