Laminar Flow Hood Practice Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which USP chapter provides standards for non-sterile compounding?
A) USP 795
B) USP 797
C) USP 800
D) USP 825
Answer: A) USP 795
Explanation:
USP 795 governs non-sterile compounding
USP 797 covers sterile compounding
USP 800 covers hazardous drug handling.
Explanation:
USP 795 governs non-sterile compounding
USP 797 covers sterile compounding
USP 800 covers hazardous drug handling.
Question 2: What type of airflow does a horizontal laminar flow hood provide?
A) Downward airflow from top to bottom
B) Horizontal airflow from back to front
C) Negative pressure exhaust
D) Vertical airflow with containment
Answer: B) Horizontal airflow from back to front
Explanation:
A horizontal LAFW pushes HEPA-filtered air horizontally toward the operator; it protects the product but not the user.
Explanation:
A horizontal LAFW pushes HEPA-filtered air horizontally toward the operator; it protects the product but not the user.
Question 3: How often must a laminar flow hood be certified according to USP standards?
A) Once a year
B) Every month
C) Every 6 months
D) Every 5 years
Answer: C) Every 6 months
Explanation:
USP 797 requires certification of laminar flow hoods at least every 6 months or after repairs/movement to maintain sterile standards.
Explanation:
USP 797 requires certification of laminar flow hoods at least every 6 months or after repairs/movement to maintain sterile standards.
Question 4: What is the minimum ISO classification required inside the critical work area (hood) during sterile compounding?
A) ISO 8
B) ISO 7
C) ISO 6
D) ISO 5
Answer: D) ISO 5
Explanation:
The critical compounding area (inside the hood) must meet ISO 5, meaning a maximum of 3,520 particles per cubic meter ≥0.5 microns.
Explanation:
The critical compounding area (inside the hood) must meet ISO 5, meaning a maximum of 3,520 particles per cubic meter ≥0.5 microns.
Question 5: Which piece of equipment is used when compounding hazardous sterile products like chemotherapy?
A) Horizontal laminar airflow hood
B) Vertical laminar airflow hood
C) Biological safety cabinet (Class II)
D) Clean bench
Answer: C) Biological safety cabinet (Class II)
Explanation:
Hazardous sterile compounding must be done in a BSC (or CACI), which provides both product and personnel protection, per USP 800.
Biological Safety Cabinets are sometimes casually called “vertical laminar flow hoods,” but they have containment and exhaust systems that a regular vertical LAFW does not.
Explanation:
Hazardous sterile compounding must be done in a BSC (or CACI), which provides both product and personnel protection, per USP 800.
Biological Safety Cabinets are sometimes casually called “vertical laminar flow hoods,” but they have containment and exhaust systems that a regular vertical LAFW does not.
Question 6: What should a pharmacy technician use to clean the surfaces inside a laminar flow hood?
A) Soap and water
B) Bleach solution
C) 70% isopropyl alcohol
D) Hydrogen peroxide
Answer: C) 70% isopropyl alcohol
Explanation:
Sterile 70% IPA is the standard disinfectant for wiping down hood surfaces before and after use to maintain aseptic conditions.
Explanation:
Sterile 70% IPA is the standard disinfectant for wiping down hood surfaces before and after use to maintain aseptic conditions.
Question 7: What is the primary function of a HEPA filter in sterile compounding?
A) Remove chemical vapors
B) Maintain negative room pressure
C) Filter out particulates ≥0.3 microns
D) Reduce humidity levels
Answer: C) Filter out particulates ≥0.3 microns
Explanation:
HEPA filters are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles ≥0.3 microns, providing the required ISO 5 clean environment.
Explanation:
HEPA filters are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles ≥0.3 microns, providing the required ISO 5 clean environment.
Question 8: When working in a horizontal laminar flow hood, how far inside from the edge should critical work be performed?
A) 1 inch
B) 3 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 12 inches
Answer: C) 6 inches
Explanation:
Compounding activities must be performed at least 6 inches inside the front edge to avoid contamination from room air.
Explanation:
Compounding activities must be performed at least 6 inches inside the front edge to avoid contamination from room air.
Question 9: Which of the following is the correct order for cleaning a laminar flow hood?
A) Back to front, top to bottom, cleanest to dirtiest
B) Front to back, bottom to top, dirtiest to cleanest
C) Top to bottom, back to front, cleanest to dirtiest
D) Bottom to top, front to back, cleanest to dirtiest
Answer: C) Top to bottom, back to front, cleanest to dirtiest
Explanation:
Cleaning follows this order to avoid recontaminating already-clean areas.
Explanation:
Cleaning follows this order to avoid recontaminating already-clean areas.
Question 10: What is the beyond-use date (BUD) for a low-risk sterile compounded product prepared in a laminar flow hood at room temperature?
A) 12 hours
B) 24 hours
C) 48 hours
D) 72 hours
Answer: D) 72 hours
Explanation:
According to USP 797, low-risk CSPs have a BUD of up to 72 hours when stored at controlled room temperature.
Explanation:
According to USP 797, low-risk CSPs have a BUD of up to 72 hours when stored at controlled room temperature.
Question 11: What should be done before starting work inside a laminar flow hood?
A) Clean the hood with a bleach solution
B) Turn on the hood and allow it to run for at least 30 minutes
C) Use the hood without any preparation
D) Test the air pressure in the room
Answer: B) Turn on the hood and allow it to run for at least 30 minutes
Explanation:
Laminar flow hoods should be turned on at least 30 minutes before use to ensure that the airflow stabilizes and that the sterile environment is established before compounding begins.
Explanation:
Laminar flow hoods should be turned on at least 30 minutes before use to ensure that the airflow stabilizes and that the sterile environment is established before compounding begins.
