What is the primary purpose of keeping items inside a Laminar Air Flow Workbench (LAFW) away from surfaces?

The primary purpose of keeping items inside a Laminar Air Flow Workbench (LAFW) away from surfaces is to prevent zones of turbulence. In a LAFW, sterile air is directed in a unidirectional flow to provide a clean and controlled environment for compounding sterile preparations. When items are positioned too close to the work surfaces or stacked together, they can disrupt the smooth airflow, creating turbulence. This turbulence can allow contaminated air to enter the aseptic environment, increasing the risk of introducing microorganisms into the sterile products being prepared. By maintaining appropriate spacing and positioning of items, the laminar airflow can effectively sweep away any potential contaminants and maintain sterility, which is crucial for patient safety and the efficacy of compounded medications.