At a minimum, how often should qualified personnel test laminar airflow workbenches?

Qualified personnel should test laminar airflow workbenches at least every six months to ensure they are functioning properly and providing the necessary environment for sterile compounding. This frequency is crucial because laminar airflow workbenches rely on a constant, controlled airflow to filter out particulates and maintain a sterile environment.

By testing every six months, facilities can identify any issues with airflow patterns, filter performance, or overall integrity of the workbench. Regular testing helps to ensure compliance with sterile compounding standards and contributes to patient safety by minimizing the risk of contamination in compounded sterile preparations. This practice aligns with the recommendations set by USP 797 guidelines, which emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal conditions in the compounding environment.

While options like monthly, quarterly, or annually may seem appropriate, they either do not align with the minimum standards suggested by USP 797 or may be less effective in maintaining consistently sterile conditions.