Which is the correct cleaning procedure for a laminar flow hood?

Which is the correct cleaning procedure for a laminar flow hood?

• A. Bleach and water
• B. Water followed by 70% isopropyl alcohol
• C. Soap and water
• D. 100% ethanol

Answer: (B)

Laminar flow hoods require both cleaning and disinfection to protect sterile work. Start by removing visible debris with water, then apply a disinfectant to kill microbes. The best choice uses 70% isopropyl alcohol after a water wipe because the water helps loosen and remove contaminants, and the alcohol provides effective antimicrobial action without leaving harmful residues. 70% IPA is widely used for interior hood disinfection and is compatible with the materials inside most hoods. Bleach is not ideal for routine hood cleaning because it can leave residues, be corrosive to surfaces, and is not necessary for routine disinfection inside the hood. Soap and water alone doesn’t disinfect. 100% ethanol dries too quickly and lacks the water content needed for optimal microbial kill, making it less effective than 70% IPA in this setting.

Laminar flow hoods require both cleaning and disinfection to protect sterile work. Start by removing visible debris with water, then apply a disinfectant to kill microbes. The best choice uses 70% isopropyl alcohol after a water wipe because the water helps loosen and remove contaminants, and the alcohol provides effective antimicrobial action without leaving harmful residues. 70% IPA is widely used for interior hood disinfection and is compatible with the materials inside most hoods.

Bleach is not ideal for routine hood cleaning because it can leave residues, be corrosive to surfaces, and is not necessary for routine disinfection inside the hood. Soap and water alone doesn’t disinfect. 100% ethanol dries too quickly and lacks the water content needed for optimal microbial kill, making it less effective than 70% IPA in this setting.