What is the ISO classification for an ante room?

An ante room, which serves as a transition area between a controlled environment and a non-controlled environment, is classified as ISO class 8 according to the ISO standards for clean rooms and controlled environments. This classification is significant in settings where sterile compounding or other sensitive processes occur, as it sets the limits for airborne particulate contamination.

ISO class 8 permits a specific particle count, which is less stringent than the classifications that require cleaner environments (like ISO class 7 or ISO class 6). This is essential because ante rooms are often used for activities such as donning sterile garments and preparing materials before they enter more sterile areas, like clean rooms designated for compounding sterile medications. The classification ensures adequate control over contamination while allowing for practical operational processes.

In contrast, options that include ISO classes 6, 7, or 9 pertain to environments with different requirements for particulate levels and cleanliness and do not accurately represent the intended use and conditions of an ante room. Therefore, ISO class 8 is the correct classification, as it reflects the standards required for effective functionality in a pharmacy context.