What is the purpose of a biological safety cabinet?

The purpose of a biological safety cabinet is to protect sterile compounding personnel from exposure to hazardous materials, particularly when working with infectious agents or harmful drugs. These cabinets are designed to provide a controlled environment that includes features such as airflow systems and HEPA filters, which help to contain airborne pathogens and prevent them from escaping into the laboratory or workspace. This safety measure is critical in preventing contamination of both the environment and the individuals working within it, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of sterile preparations and safeguarding the health of healthcare workers.

While the other options may pertain to safety and efficacy in different contexts, they do not accurately reflect the primary function of a biological safety cabinet. For example, enhancing drug absorption or the efficacy of medications does not relate to the cabinet's design and function, which focuses mainly on personnel protection and containment of hazardous materials. Storing hazardous materials safely is also relevant, but it is not the primary aim of a biological safety cabinet; it is more about working safely with those materials in a sterile environment.