If sterile compounding takes place within a CSCA, the CSCA must have a minimum ACPH of how many?

• A. 6
• B. 18
• C. 25
• D. 12

Answer: (D)

Air changes per hour (ACPH) tell us how often the air in a sterile compounding space is completely replaced each hour. In a CSCA, this turnover must be sufficient to dilute and remove airborne contaminants that could compromise sterility. The minimum requirement for a CSCA used for sterile compounding is twelve ACPH. This level provides an appropriate balance between maintaining air quality and reasonable energy use, ensuring consistent air cleanliness without overburdening the HVAC system. Lower values, like six ACPH, wouldn’t provide enough dilution, while higher values (eighteen or twenty-five) are beyond the minimum standard and are typically used only in more stringent spaces or specific situations.