What type of cabinet should anti-neoplastic agents be compounded in?

Anti-neoplastic agents, which are used to treat cancer, require careful handling due to their potency and potential hazards. The appropriate environment for compounding these agents is a Class II biological safety cabinet. This type of cabinet is specifically designed to provide both personnel and environmental protection while also ensuring that the compounded drug is prepared in a sterile environment.

Class II biological safety cabinets provide a clean work area by using HEPA filters to protect the operator from hazardous substances. This is crucial when dealing with anti-neoplastic agents, as they can pose serious health risks if inhaled or if they come into contact with skin. The Class II cabinet not only offers a sterile environment for compounding but also has a built-in ventilation system that mitigates the risk of contamination in both the surrounding environment and the compounding process itself.

Using a Class I biological safety cabinet, while offering protection from airborne particulates, does not provide the same level of personal protection from hazardous drugs as the Class II cabinet. Horizontal flow cabinets and laminar flow hoods are primarily focused on providing a sterile environment but fail to adequately protect the compounding personnel from hazardous drug exposure.

Thus, the Class II biological safety cabinet is the standard required for compounding anti-neoplastic agents, ensuring safety for both the