What is one purpose of a negative pressure room?

A negative pressure room is designed to contain hazardous materials, such as airborne pathogens or chemicals, thereby preventing their escape into adjacent areas. This is particularly important in sterile compounding environments where the safety of both the personnel and the surrounding area is crucial. By maintaining a negative pressure relative to the outside environment, air is drawn into the room and filtered before it is expelled, effectively controlling contamination and protecting the health of individuals nearby.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary purpose of a negative pressure room. Creating a sterile environment for product decontamination typically requires a clean room with controlled positive pressure. The washing and garbing process, while essential in maintaining cleanliness, is not the focus of negative pressure areas. Additionally, while proper airflow is important in a compounding area, the specific function of a negative pressure room directly relates to containing hazardous materials.