What is the primary purpose of a Compounding Aseptic Isolator (CAI)?

The primary purpose of a Compounding Aseptic Isolator (CAI) is to provide a controlled environment that ensures the sterile compounding of non-hazardous pharmaceutical ingredients. A CAI is designed to protect the pharmaceutical products from contamination during the compounding process by maintaining a sterile atmosphere. It utilizes HEPA filters to provide a constant flow of sterile air and to keep the inside of the isolator free from harmful microorganisms, thus enabling safe preparation of sterile medications.

This environment is critical when compounding non-hazardous drugs, as it assures healthcare practitioners and patients that the final product is uncontaminated and meets the necessary sterility standards. While CAIs can also protect operators from hazardous materials to some degree, their main function revolves around ensuring the sterility and safety of the medications being compounded.