What is the required pressure condition for compounding hazardous drugs in ISO Class 5 environments?

Compounding hazardous drugs necessitates specific environmental conditions to ensure both the safety of personnel and the integrity of the drugs. In this context, the requirement for a negative pressure environment is critical. Negative pressure helps contain any hazardous drugs and prevents their escape into the surrounding area, thus protecting pharmacy staff and minimizing the risk of contamination.

ISO Class 5 environments are defined by maintaining a certain level of air cleanliness, ensuring the airflow is free from particulate contamination. When compounding hazardous drugs, it's essential to incorporate negative pressure to effectively manage the exposure risks associated with these substances. This setup also ensures that any particles generated are drawn into the ventilation system rather than being allowed to disperse into the work area.

The isolated nature of hazardous drug compounding emphasizes the importance of maintaining a negative pressure environment to enforce safety protocols and prevent any potentially harmful exposures to healthcare workers and patients.