Which sequence is appropriate for cleaning a laminar flow hood?

Which sequence is appropriate for cleaning a laminar flow hood?

• A. Water, then bleach
• B. Water, then 70% isopropyl alcohol
• C. Bleach, then water
• D. Alcohol only

Answer: (B)

Cleaning a laminar flow hood properly starts with removing particles and soils, then disinfecting. Rinsing with water first physically clears dust and residues, which allows the disinfectant to contact microbes more effectively. Following that, using 70% isopropyl alcohol provides fast-acting disinfection and leaves little to no residue because it evaporates quickly, which is ideal inside a hood that must stay sterile and ready for aseptic work. Bleach is discouraged inside laminar flow hoods because it is corrosive to some surfaces, can emit fumes, and requires thorough rinsing to remove residues that could contaminate sterile work or damage the equipment and filters. Using alcohol alone would not adequately remove soils, so it’s not as reliable as a two-step approach. Therefore, the recommended sequence is to wash with water first, then apply 70% isopropyl alcohol for disinfection.

Cleaning a laminar flow hood properly starts with removing particles and soils, then disinfecting. Rinsing with water first physically clears dust and residues, which allows the disinfectant to contact microbes more effectively. Following that, using 70% isopropyl alcohol provides fast-acting disinfection and leaves little to no residue because it evaporates quickly, which is ideal inside a hood that must stay sterile and ready for aseptic work. Bleach is discouraged inside laminar flow hoods because it is corrosive to some surfaces, can emit fumes, and requires thorough rinsing to remove residues that could contaminate sterile work or damage the equipment and filters. Using alcohol alone would not adequately remove soils, so it’s not as reliable as a two-step approach. Therefore, the recommended sequence is to wash with water first, then apply 70% isopropyl alcohol for disinfection.