What is a negative pressure room used for in relation to hazardous drugs?

A negative pressure room is specifically designed to protect the environment and individuals from hazardous drugs by containing airborne contaminants. When compounding or storing hazardous drugs, it is essential to prevent these drugs from escaping the controlled area, which could pose a risk to healthcare workers or patients. The negative pressure ensures that air from the surrounding areas does not flow into the room, thus preventing any potentially harmful particles from spreading into other areas of the facility. This feature is a critical aspect of safe handling practices for hazardous drugs, in compliance with guidelines such as USP 800.