PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsHard
A pharmacy technician is preparing to compound a topical cream that requires the use of a Class III biological safety cabinet (BSC). Which of the following statements accurately describes a characteristic of a Class III BSC?
- AIt uses an open front with inward airflow for personnel protection and HEPA-filtered exhaust for environmental protection.
- BIt provides product protection but no personnel or environmental protection.
- CIt is a totally enclosed, gas-tight cabinet with negative pressure and HEPA-filtered supply and exhaust air.
- DIt offers personnel and environmental protection but no product protection.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It is a totally enclosed, gas-tight cabinet with negative pressure and HEPA-filtered supply and exhaust air.
Class III BSCs are designed for maximum protection when handling highly hazardous materials. They are totally enclosed, gas-tight systems with negative pressure and double-HEPA-filtered exhaust air, providing the highest level of personnel, product, and environmental protection.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes a Class II Type A1 or A2 BSC, not a Class III.
- B. This describes a clean bench, not a BSC, and is incorrect.
- D. This is incorrect; all BSCs provide product protection to some degree.
Class III Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
A gas-tight, totally enclosed cabinet providing maximum protection for personnel, product, and environment when working with highly infectious or hazardous agents.
- Highest level of protection (BSL-4 agents).
- Maintains negative pressure relative to the room.
- All operations performed through glove ports; materials transferred via pass-through chamber.
Memory trick: Classes Protect People, Products, and Planet