How often must laminar flow hoods be certified?

Laminar flow hoods, also known as laminar airflow workbenches, provide a sterile environment for preparing compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). These hoods help to protect both the product and the technician from contamination. To ensure their effectiveness, laminar flow hoods must undergo regular performance testing and certifications.

The recommended frequency for certification is every 12 months. This annual certification ensures that the airflow is functioning properly, that filters are maintained, and that the hoods provide the required level of sterility for safe compounding practices. Regular certification is crucial for compliance with safety standards and for maintaining the integrity of the compounded products.

While more frequent testing can be beneficial, especially in highly used or high-risk environments, the standard regulation requires certification at least once a year. This emphasis on annual certification is designed to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure a consistent sterile environment for compounding.