What is the role of an ante-room in facilities handling hazardous drugs?

• A. It stores extra HD vials only
• B. It serves as transition space for donning and doffing PPE and decontamination before entering or leaving the containment area
• C. It is used as a patient waiting area
• D. It is optional in most facilities

Answer: (B)

The ante-room acts as a buffer between clean areas and the containment zone so staff don PPE before entering and doff PPE plus perform decontamination before leaving. This space is designed to prevent contaminants from moving into and out of the containment area, protecting workers and the surrounding environment. It often includes hand hygiene facilities, storage for PPE, and waste/decontamination surfaces to ensure proper sequence and containment of any exposure. It’s not simply for storing extra vials, nor a patient waiting area, and it’s typically required rather than optional in facilities handling hazardous drugs.