What type of solutions must be compounded in a Class II BSC?

Cytotoxic solutions must be compounded in a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) because these solutions contain drugs that are hazardous to healthcare workers and patients. Cytotoxic drugs are known for their potential to cause adverse effects, including teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and toxicity. Therefore, the Class II BSC provides an aseptic environment while maintaining the safety of personnel through specialized engineering controls that filter and contain harmful airborne substances.

The design of the Class II BSC offers a sterile workspace that protects the compounder and prevents contamination of the drug being prepared. It uses a combination of laminar airflow and HEPA filtration to ensure that both the compounded medication and the compounding personnel are safeguarded.

Other types of solutions, like non-cytotoxic solutions or over-the-counter (OTC) solutions, may not require the same stringent safety measures and can typically be handled in less restrictive environments, such as a traditional laminar flow hood or even designated pharmacy areas, depending on their risk levels. Thus, the regulation that mandates the compounding of cytotoxic solutions in a Class II BSC is rooted in the need to prioritize safety and contamination control.