What class is a vertical flow hood categorized as?

A vertical flow hood is categorized as Class II, which is designed to provide a sterile environment for pharmaceutical compounding and other sensitive procedures. Class II hoods use the laminar flow of air to protect not only the compounding materials and the final product but also the personnel working in the hood by filtering the air and preventing contamination.

Class II hoods typically have a HEPA filter that cleans the air before it flows downwards over the work surface, creating a sterile field. This makes them suitable for handling hazardous and non-hazardous drugs, providing both product protection and user safety. They are an essential component in the preparation of sterile products and are commonly used in pharmacy settings.

In contrast, Class I hoods do not provide product protection and only protect personnel from exposure to harmful substances. Class III hoods are built for handling the most hazardous agents and offer maximum containment. Class IV hoods are used for applications that require high containment levels, often in research and industrial settings. Thus, the optimal classification for a vertical flow hood aligns with the unique protective features it offers to both the products being handled and the personnel involved.