Question

question 54

a pharmacy technician is preparing a sterile iv admixture using aseptic technique. in which direction should the technician work within the laminar airflow workbench (lafw)?

• directly in front of the hepa filter with the vial placed against the filter
• with work performed at least 6 inches inside the hood, working from side to side to avoid blocking airflow
• toward the hepa filter to allow airflow from behind the work area
• with the body positioned to block airflow from the hepa filter

Explanation:

Analyze laminar airflow workbench guidelines

Using the Laminar Airflow Hood and Direct Compounding Area Airflow knowledge points

• Sterile compounding guidelines (USP <797>) require all manipulations to be performed at least 6 inches inside the outer edge of the laminar airflow workbench (LAFW) to prevent contamination from the room air.
• To maintain the sterile environment, compounding must be performed from side to side (or back to front depending on the specific motion, but side-to-side ensures objects do not block the laminar airflow coming from the HEPA filter to other critical sites).
• Placing items directly against the HEPA filter blocks airflow and creates turbulence, which is incorrect.
• Working toward the HEPA filter or blocking the airflow with the body violates aseptic technique principles.

Evaluate the given options

Using the Sterile Compounding knowledge point

• Option 1: "Directly in front of the HEPA filter with the vial placed against the filter" — Incorrect, as placing objects against the filter blocks airflow.
• Option 2: "With work performed at least 6 inches inside the hood, working from side to side to avoid blocking airflow" — Correct, as it adheres to the 6-inch rule and maintains uninterrupted laminar airflow.
• Option 3: "Toward the HEPA filter to allow airflow from behind the work area" — Incorrect description of the physical manipulation direction.
• Option 4: "With the body positioned to block airflow from the HEPA filter" — Incorrect, as blocking airflow introduces contamination.

Answer:

• (A) Directly in front of the HEPA filter with the vial placed against the filter
• (B) With work performed at least 6 inches inside the hood, working from side to side to avoid blocking airflow (Correct answer)
• (C) Toward the HEPA filter to allow airflow from behind the work area
• (D) With the body positioned to block airflow from the HEPA filter