What solution should be used to wipe off items brought into the laminar air flow workbench?

Using 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is the most effective choice for wiping off items brought into the laminar airflow workbench because it strikes an optimal balance between efficacy and safety. The concentration of 70% IPA is particularly effective as a disinfectant because it contains sufficient water to allow for the alcohol to penetrate microbial cell walls, effectively denaturing proteins and ultimately killing bacteria and viruses.

Higher concentrations of alcohol, such as 90% or 100%, are less effective due to their rapid evaporation, which does not allow for enough contact time on the surface to effectively kill microorganisms. Additionally, a 50% IPA solution would be insufficient in concentration to provide reliable disinfection, thus not adequately preparing surfaces for sterile compounding practices.

Overall, using 70% IPA provides both reliable antimicrobial action and appropriate physical properties for effective disinfection prior to sterile compounding procedures. This choice aligns with best practices in maintaining a sterile environment in pharmacy settings.