Barrier Isolators play a critical role in a range of processes. Barrier Isolators are commonly used for research and to facilitate a proper environment for sterile compounding in the hospital pharmacy and cleanroom, these units provide both an aseptic work area as well as safety for personnel. Barrier Isolators are commonly utilized for compounding sterile preparations (or CSPs).
Biological safety cabinets, or BSCs, are enclosed, ventilated hoods or workspaces that allow for the safe handling of pathogens, contaminants, and other potentially hazardous materials. These types of equipment are also referred to as biosafety cabinets or microbiological safety cabinets.
There are various classes of biological safety cabinets. The proper class and type is selected in accordance with the requirements for the specific application and level of bio-containment needed.
Biological safety laboratories are designed and equipped to safely handle pathogens and other potentially hazardous materials. These facilities vary widely in the type and degree of risk of the materials being handled. Sometimes these labs are constructed and operated for a specific application that will define the required Biological Safety Level or BSL.
Laboratory facilities that handle infectious agents are categorized by the Biological Safety Level (BSL) that corresponds to the risk level of the pathogens being handled. BSL-3 Laboratories are designated for “indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through the inhalation route of exposure”
Introduction to Class III Biological Safety Cabinets The Class III Biological Safety Cabinet, also referred to as a Class III BSC, is designed to provide the highest level of containment when working with hazardous materials. These gas-tight enclosures protect the operator, the environment as well as the work in progress.
The Compounding Aseptic Containment Isolator utilizes HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to provide the highest level of operator and product protection. The supply HEPA filter provides laminar flow air, which bathes the entire work area.
Compounding Aseptic Isolators provide a comprehensive system that ensures both safety to personnel as well as sterility to the product throughout the compounding processes. Compounding isolators utilize an ergonomic glove system that provides complete containment within the Compounding Aseptic Isolator while manipulating sterile compounds.
The Glovebox (or ‘Glove Box’) Provides Containment for a Range of Applications Glovebox is the general term used to describe a sealed chamber that allows the operator to handle hazardous materials or agents having an unknown risk level.
The new USP Chapter 800 will provide best practices for all processes related to hazardous drugs (HDs) in healthcare settings. The chapter details the requirements for all aspects of handling hazardous drugs such as storage, mixing, preparing, compounding, dispensing and administration. Chapter 800 provides standards and guidelines for protecting patients, health-system personnel and the environment.
Hospital pharmacies and other compounding facilities often process radiopharmaceuticals. These radioactive materials can be used for therapeutic applications but are most commonly utilized for diagnostic procedures. The radiopharmacy provides these specialized preparations for use in nuclear medicine. Pharmacists that handle radiopharmaceuticals are also referred to as Nuclear Pharmacists or Radiopharmacists.
