Which describes CSCA containment area requirements?

• A. Fixed walls, negative pressure, at least 12 ACPH
• B. Externally vented, negative pressure, at least 12 ACPH
• C. Fixed walls, positive pressure, at least 6 ACPH
• D. No ventilation requirement

Answer: (A)

Containment areas for hazardous drugs are designed to keep exposure inside the room. The space must be a defined area with fixed walls, creating a real boundary so contaminants can’t wander into adjacent areas. It needs to be at negative pressure relative to surrounding spaces, so air flows into the room rather than out, helping prevent any drug vapors from escaping. A minimum of 12 air changes per hour is required to dilute and remove airborne contaminants produced during compounding. Positive pressure would push contaminants outward, defeating containment, and reducing or eliminating ventilation would fail to control aerosols.