TL;DR
Laminar Airflow Hoods: ISO Class 5 air for sterile compounding: LAFW for non-hazardous, BSC for hazardous drugs.
Laminar Airflow Hoods
Definition
ISO Class 5 air for sterile compounding: LAFW for non-hazardous, BSC for hazardous drugs.
Key Values & Ranges
ISO Class 5 air for sterile compounding: LAFW for non-hazardous, BSC for hazardous drugs. LAFW vs. BSC selection tested on PTCB exam.
Related drug class: Benzodiazepines includes lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, midazolam. Mechanism: Enhance GABA-A receptor, increased chloride conductance, CNS depression.
Documentation
Proper documentation of laminar airflow hoods follows facility policies and regulatory requirements. All entries must be dated, timed, and signed. Errors are corrected with a single line through the incorrect entry, initialed and dated. Never erase or cover with correction fluid.
Differential Diagnosis
Distinguishing between related concepts for laminar airflow hoods:
Opioids: Examples: morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine. Mechanism: Bind mu-opioid receptors for analgesia, euphoria, respiratory depression. Key side effects: Constipation (tolerance does NOT develop); Respiratory depression.
Fluoroquinolones: Examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin. Mechanism: Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, bactericidal. Key side effects: Tendon rupture (Achilles); QT prolongation.
Practical Example
Pharmacy Calculation Example: percentage strength
Formula: w/v: g/100mL, w/w: g/100g, v/v: mL/100mL
Worked example: 2% hydrocortisone cream = 2g HC per 100g cream
Related Procedures
ISO Class 5 air for sterile compounding: LAFW for non-hazardous, BSC for hazardous drugs. LAFW vs. BSC selection tested on PTCB exam.
Related drug class: Beta blockers includes metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, carvedilol. Mechanism: Block beta-adrenergic receptors, decrease heart rate and contractility.
Common Errors
Frequent errors with laminar airflow hoods in pharmacy practice:
- Misreading sig codes. For reference: QHS = at bedtime; BID = twice daily; PRN = as needed; PC = after meals; AU = both ears; OS = left eye
- Calculation errors in dosage. Always double-check units (mg vs mcg, mL vs L)
- Wrong DEA schedule classification affecting storage and dispensing requirements
Why It Matters
LAFW vs. BSC selection tested on PTCB exam.
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