Final answer:
Compounding of antineoplastic drugs must be performed under controlled conditions to ensure safety and prevent contamination. It involves specialized equipment, appropriate PPE, and adherence to strict protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compounding of antineoplastic drugs must always be done under strict controlled conditions. Given the toxicity and potential for serious side effects of chemotherapy drugs, it is crucial that these medications are prepared in an environment that protects both the healthcare professionals handling them and patients from contamination and exposure to these potent substances. Settings used for compounding these drugs must adhere to specific safety guidelines, such as those outlined by USP Chapter 800, which describes the standards for handling hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.
Preparations of antineoplastic drugs take place in specialized containment areas, such as a biological safety cabinet or a compounding aseptic containment isolator, to prevent cross-contamination and exposure. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory, and the process must adhere to stringent protocols that govern the preparation, storage, and disposal of these medications to ensure both efficacy and safety.