Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

What cleaning agent must be used to clean a laminar flow hood?

1. Bleach

2. Hydrogen peroxide

3. Isopropyl alcohol

4. Water

The correct answer is: Isopropyl alcohol

The use of isopropyl alcohol as a cleaning agent for a laminar flow hood is essential due to its effectiveness in preventing microbial contamination and ensuring a sterile environment. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent that can effectively kill a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi while evaporating quickly and leaving minimal residue. This is particularly important in a laminar flow hood, where maintaining a clean and sterile workspace is crucial for the preparation of sterile products. While other cleaning agents can have their specific uses, they are not ideal for the routine cleaning of a laminar flow hood. For instance, bleach can be corrosive and leave harmful residues that may interfere with aseptic procedures. Hydrogen peroxide, while an effective disinfectant, can also degrade certain materials and is often not used as a primary cleaner. Water alone does not possess the necessary antibacterial and antiviral properties required for a sterile environment. Therefore, isopropyl alcohol stands out as the most appropriate choice for cleaning a laminar flow hood, assisting pharmacy technicians in their roles of ensuring a sterile and safe compounding area.