In a Laminar Airflow Workbench, what does the HEPA filter do?

In a Laminar Airflow Workbench, the HEPA filter plays a crucial role in maintaining a sterile environment by filtering out small particles and microorganisms. HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometers in size. This includes dust, pollen, mold spores, and various bacteria and viruses. By thoroughly purifying the air that flows through the workbench, the HEPA filter helps to prevent contamination of sterile products and ensures a safe working environment for IV preparation and other medical procedures.

This effectiveness of the HEPA filter is central to the operational integrity of the Laminar Airflow Workbench, as it directly contributes to the quality of air and products being handled within the workspace. The other options, while they may be relevant to different aspects of a lab environment, do not specifically pertain to the function of the HEPA filter in this context.