What type of biological safety cabinet is recommended for compounding hazardous drugs?

The recommended biological safety cabinets for compounding hazardous drugs are Class II and Class III cabinets because these designs provide the necessary protection for both the personnel and the environment while working with these hazardous agents.

Class II biosafety cabinets offer both product and personnel protection through the use of a vertical airflow and HEPA filtration system. This type of cabinet is suitable for compounding hazardous drugs, as it maintains the sterile environment needed for drug preparation while ensuring that any hazardous particles are properly filtered out of the airflow, minimizing exposure risk for pharmacy staff.

Class III biosafety cabinets provide the highest level of protection, as they are completely enclosed and use a glove box technique for handling hazardous substances. They are specifically designed to protect the user from risk by preventing exposure to fumes, vapors, and particles. The sealed environment allows for safe handling of the most dangerous biological agents.

Both Class II and Class III cabinets meet the necessary safety requirements for handling hazardous drugs, which is why the correct choice includes both categories. Other cabinet types, such as those providing only horizontal airflow or lacking adequate containment features, do not meet the safety standards required for the compounding of hazardous drugs.