Which statement correctly describes higher class BSC in sterile compounding?

• A. Lower class BSC are sufficient for sterile compounding
• B. CAI is suitable for sterile compounding
• C. Higher class BSC increases sterility, e.g., Class 2 or 3 BSC
• D. LAFW is acceptable for sterile

Answer: (C)

Understanding how cabinet class affects sterility in sterile compounding. The class of a biological safety cabinet defines how much containment and how clean the work environment is. Higher-class cabinets provide stronger containment and more stringent air filtration, which helps keep the compounded product sterile. A Class II cabinet is the standard for sterile compounding, delivering HEPA-filtered air and ISO 5 conditions at the work surface to protect both the product and the operator. Moving up to a higher class, such as Class II or Class III, offers even greater containment: Class II still provides filtered, directional air, while Class III is fully enclosed with negative pressure and offers the maximum level of containment for the most sensitive or hazardous tasks. Devices like a compounding aseptic isolator (CAI) or a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW) don’t provide the same level of contained, validated ISO 5 environment as a higher-class BSC, so they don’t replace the need for a appropriately rated BSC when sterility is critical. Therefore, stating that a higher-class BSC increases sterility is correct, with Class II or Class III BSCs illustrating that increased containment and filtration enhance the sterile environment.