Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

What is a common use of a micron filter fan in a pharmacy?

1. Cooling medication

2. Maintaining a sterile environment

3. Storage of controlled substances

4. Regulating humidity levels

The correct answer is: Maintaining a sterile environment

A micron filter fan is primarily used in pharmacies to maintain a sterile environment. This is crucial to ensure that compounding areas, especially where sterile products are prepared, remain free from contaminants. The fan's filtration system captures particulate matter and microorganisms from the air, helping to reduce the risk of contamination during the preparation of medications, particularly those that are administered via injection or other routes where sterility is vital. While cooling medication, storing controlled substances, and regulating humidity levels are important considerations in pharmacy practice, they do not directly relate to the specific function of a micron filter fan. This is why maintaining a sterile environment stands out as the primary purpose of the micron filter fan in a pharmacy setting.