Question

a pharmacy technician is preparing to compound a hazardous drug. according to usp <800>, which of the following engineering controls should be used?

a standard medication preparation counter
a vertical laminar airflow workbench without negative pressure
a horizontal laminar airflow workbench
a biological safety cabinet or a compounding aseptic containment isolator (caci)

Explanation:

Identify the requirements of USP &lt;800&gt;

Using the USP 800 Regulations and Hazardous Drugs knowledge points
USP Chapter &lt;800&gt; sets standards for handling hazardous drugs (HDs) to minimize exposure to healthcare personnel and the environment. It requires containment primary engineering controls (C-PECs) that provide negative pressure to prevent the escape of hazardous aerosols or particles into the room.

Evaluate the engineering controls

Using the Biological Safety Cabinet knowledge point

• Standard medication preparation counter: Provides no containment or airflow protection.
• Vertical laminar airflow workbench without negative pressure: Does not protect the operator from hazardous drug exposure.
• Horizontal laminar airflow workbench: Blows air directly toward the operator, increasing exposure to hazardous drugs.
• Biological safety cabinet (BSC) or compounding aseptic containment isolator (CACI): These are containment primary engineering controls (C-PECs) designed with negative pressure and HEPA filtration to protect both the operator and the environment during HD compounding.

Answer:

• A standard medication preparation counter
• A vertical laminar airflow workbench without negative pressure
• A horizontal laminar airflow workbench
• A biological safety cabinet or a compounding aseptic containment isolator (CACI) (Correct answer)