What is the Origin of Laminar Airflow Workbench?

The principle of "laminar flow," meaning air moving in parallel streams at a uniform velocity, was adapted for cleanroom technology to minimize the introduction of airborne contaminants into a critical work zone. The "workbench" simply denotes the contained apparatus that provides this controlled environment. Regulatory bodies, such including the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), mandate the use of LAFWs or similar devices for all high-risk sterile compounding procedures.

What is the Mechanism of Laminar Airflow Workbench?

Room air is first drawn into the unit and then forced through a HEPA filter, which effectively removes at least 99.97% of all particles 0.3 micrometers or larger. The resulting sterile air then flows smoothly and uniformly across the work surface, either horizontally or vertically, continuously sweeping away any particulates generated by the compounding process or the operator. This constant, clean air purge maintains the sterility of the critical area and the final compounded product.

Laminar Airflow Workbench

Meaning

A Laminar Airflow Workbench (LAFW) is a specialized engineering control device utilized in compounding pharmacies and laboratories to create an ultra-clean work environment, typically classified as ISO Class 5. It functions by providing a continuous, unidirectional flow of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered air across the work surface. The LAFW is essential for the aseptic preparation of Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs), protecting the product from contamination by airborne particulates and microorganisms during sensitive manipulation.