Where should hazardous drugs be compounded?

The compounding of hazardous drugs should occur in hoods within buffer rooms that provide containment. This practice is crucial for ensuring the safety of pharmacy personnel and maintaining the integrity of the compounded products.

Hoods, specifically Class II biological safety cabinets or compounding aseptic containment isolators, are designed to provide a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of exposure to harmful drugs. They utilize specialized ventilation systems to filter out hazardous particulates and vapors, thus protecting both the worker and the environment.

Buffer rooms serve as designated clean areas that help to further prevent contamination, which is vital when handling potentially dangerous substances. This controlled setting is equipped with the necessary engineering controls and follows strict protocols to ensure both aseptic conditions and the safety of the compounding process.

In contrast, compounding hazardous drugs in unventilated areas or locations within the pharmacy that lack adequate containment measures would significantly increase risks associated with exposure to harmful substances. Compounding in a refrigerator is also inappropriate as it does not provide the necessary ventilation or containment for handling hazardous drugs properly.