With what should airflow hoods be cleaned, and how often?

Airflow hoods, including laminar flow hoods used in pharmacies, must be kept clean to ensure a sterile environment for compounding medications. Using 70% isopropyl alcohol is a standard practice for this cleaning procedure, as it effectively disinfects surfaces and helps eliminate microbial contamination.

Cleaning these hoods every 8-hour shift is a common guideline in pharmacy practice. This timeframe aligns with typical work schedules in many pharmacies and ensures that the hood maintains a sufficient level of cleanliness for compounding sterile preparations throughout the shift.

Regular cleaning is critical to patient safety and maintaining compliance with national standards, such as those set forth by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Although other options suggest varying cleaning agents or frequencies, the option indicating cleaning with 70% isopropyl alcohol every 8 hours is widely recognized as a best practice in pharmacy settings, providing a balance between effective disinfection and practical workflow.