What is the minimum number of air changes per hour required in a hazardous drug compounding area?

In a hazardous drug compounding area, maintaining a safe environment is crucial to protect both the staff and the integrity of the medications being compounded. The recommended minimum number of air changes per hour in such settings is 12. This high rate of air changes is necessary to ensure that any contaminants or particles that may pose a risk are effectively removed from the air.

This ventilation standard helps to minimize the potential exposure to hazardous drugs, which can be detrimental to health if inhaled or if they come into contact with skin. The 12 air changes per hour standard is in line with the guidelines set by entities such as the USP (United States Pharmacopeia). These guidelines emphasize the importance of a controlled environment to ensure safety and efficacy in compounding hazardous drugs, effectively balancing the need for sterility with adequate removal of airborne hazards. Therefore, the requirement for 12 air changes per hour underscores the commitment to safety in handling hazardous materials in compounding settings.