Which statement about ACPH requirements applies to both anteroom and buffer room?

• A. Both require at least 30 ACPH
• B. Only anteroom requires 30 ACPH
• C. Only buffer-room requires 30 ACPH
• D. Neither requires ACPH

Answer: (A)

Air changes per hour measure how often room air is replaced each hour, which helps dilute and remove any hazardous drug aerosols during handling. For hazardous drug containment, both the anteroom and the buffer room are required to have at least 30 ACPH. The anteroom acts as a transition space to limit dispersion when doors are opened, and the buffer room is the actual HD compounding space; giving both areas the same minimum of air changes ensures consistent containment as staff move materials between spaces and perform work. If only one area had 30 ACPH or neither did, the potential for aerosol contamination escaping to surrounding areas would be greater. Thus, the statement that both require at least 30 ACPH is the correct one.