LAFW
Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy
| Stands for | Laminar airflow workbench |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
LAFW stands for Laminar airflow workbench, a pharmacy abbreviation.
Hood that blows HEPA-filtered air in a smooth, one-directional stream across the work surface, creating an ISO Class 5 environment for preparing sterile, non-hazardous IV medications. Horizontal-flow hoods push air toward the operator.
Example: Clean the LAFW with sterile alcohol before the morning batch of antibiotic syringes.
Usage notes
Because horizontal LAFWs blow air outward toward the compounder, they must never be used for hazardous drugs such as chemotherapy, which require containment devices like biological safety cabinets or isolators. Critical work is done at least six inches inside the hood, and nothing should block "first air" from the filter.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- ILE – Intravenous lipid emulsion
- IND – Investigational New Drug application
- IR – Immediate release
- ISMP – Institute for Safe Medication Practices
- KVO – Keep vein open
- LA – Long-acting
- LASA – Look-alike, sound-alike
- LDD – Limited distribution drug
- LR – Lactated Ringer's solution
- LVP – Large-volume parenteral
- MAC – Maximum allowable cost
- MAR – Medication administration record
See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.