What is the main purpose of a negative pressure environment in chemotherapy drug compounding?

• A. To Prevent Aerosolized Drug From Escaping Into Surrounding Areas
• B. To Increase Filtration Efficiency
• C. To Improve Patient Comfort
• D. To Reduce Noise Levels

Answer: (A)

Containment of hazardous aerosols is the main idea. In a negative-pressure space, the air inside is at a lower pressure than surrounding areas, so when doors are opened, air tends to flow into the room rather than out. This inward flow pulls any aerosolized chemotherapy agents back into the room, where they can be captured and exhausted through a filtration system before any air leaves the space. This setup protects staff and other areas from exposure and environmental contamination. It’s not about filtration efficiency on its own, nor about improving patient comfort or reducing noise.