Which type of laminar flow hood is recommended for preparing chemotherapy drugs?

The vertical laminar flow hood is specifically recommended for preparing chemotherapy drugs because it provides enhanced protection from exposure to hazardous substances. In this type of hood, the airflow is directed vertically from the ceiling downward, which helps ensure that any potentially harmful particles or vapors are safely expelled away from the operator and into the ducting system, minimizing the risk of contamination and exposure.

This directionality of airflow is particularly important when handling cytotoxic drugs because it protects not only the products being compounded but also the personnel involved in the preparation process. Horizontal laminar flow hoods do not offer the same level of protection because they project airflow horizontally across the work surface, which could potentially direct contaminants toward the technician, increasing the risk of exposure. Biological safety cabinets, while also designed to handle hazardous substances, offer additional features to protect personnel from biohazards, making them suitable for different applications rather than specifically for chemotherapy drug preparation. Type-A laminar flow hoods have limitations that restrict their use when compounding hazardous preparations, making them less ideal for this task.

Therefore, the vertical laminar flow hood is the best choice for safely compounding chemotherapy medications due to its design and operational features tailored for handling hazardous drugs.