Which Class II BSC type is considered acceptable for USP 800 hazardous drugs?

The Class II BSC (Biological Safety Cabinet) type A2 is indeed considered acceptable for the handling of hazardous drugs in accordance with USP 800. This is due to its design, which allows for safe manipulation of hazardous compounds while providing personnel protection as well as product protection. The air within the cabinet is recirculated back into the laboratory after being filtered, which is effective for non-volatile hazardous drugs.

Furthermore, Class II BSC type A2 can be used within a compounding area that has appropriate exhaust ventilation, ensuring that any fumes or particulates generated during the compounding process do not escape into the working environment. This type of cabinet has a higher air change rate than other Class II cabinets, which contributes to a more contained and safer environment for preparing hazardous drugs.

In contrast, the other Class II types, while they offer certain benefits, do not meet the specific requirements for handling hazardous drugs as outlined by USP 800. For example, Class II BSC type A1 doesn't have sufficient containment capabilities for certain hazardous drugs, while Class II types B1 and B2 utilize different air flow configurations that may not be as suitable for certain compounding scenarios related to hazardous materials. Therefore, the selection of Class II BSC type