South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which type of biological safety cabinet is required for compounding cytotoxic solutions?

1. Class I

2. Class II

3. Class III

4. Laminar flow hood

The correct answer is: Class II

The requirement for a Class II biological safety cabinet when compounding cytotoxic solutions is based on the need for both product protection and personnel safety. Class II cabinets provide a sterile working environment by offering laminar airflow that protects the sterile field and the compounded product from contamination. They also have built-in HEPA filters that effectively remove harmful airborne particles, including cytotoxic agents, ensuring that personnel are safeguarded from exposure to these potentially hazardous substances. Additionally, Class II cabinets come in various types (A, B1, B2, B3), with different airflow patterns and applications, but they are universally recognized for their efficacy in handling biological agents and certain hazardous drugs. The meticulous design of these cabinets allows for the safe preparation of compounds that may present a significant risk if improperly handled. In contrast, Class I cabinets only provide personnel protection and do not offer a sterile environment for the products being handled. Class III cabinets are designed for the highest level of protection and are typically used in situations needing complete isolation from the environment, which is more than what is necessary for most cytotoxic preparations. Laminar flow hoods primarily provide sterile environments but do not offer the same level of protection against harmful aerosols as Class II cabinets do. Hence, the correct selection for comp