PEBC MCQ Compounding, Product Preparation & Inventory question: IV antibiotic in a laminar airflow hood

PEBC MCQCompounding, Product Preparation & Inventory

While preparing an IV antibiotic in a laminar airflow hood, a technician places her hands between the HEPA filter and the vial's rubber stopper. Why is this a problem?

a. It warms the vial and degrades the antibiotic
b. It makes the hood's alarm sound and stop airflow
c. It blocks first air from reaching the critical site
d. It increases the risk of a needlestick injury to the technician

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: c. It blocks first air from reaching the critical site

In a laminar airflow workbench, 'first air' flows directly from the HEPA filter over critical sites such as needle hubs and vial stoppers; anything placed upstream, including hands, disrupts first air and can carry contaminants onto the critical site. Aseptic technique requires working at least 15 cm inside the hood with nothing between the filter and critical sites. Source: NAPRA Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-hazardous Sterile Preparations (2016), aseptic technique; USP <797> (referenced).

Common mistake

Not understanding the concept of first air.

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