Compounding Aseptic Isolator (CAI): A form of isolator specifically designed for compounding pharmaceutical ingredients or preparations. It is designed to maintain an aseptic compounding environment within the isolator through the compounding and material transfer processes. Air exchange into the isolator from the surrounding environment should not occur unless the air first passes through a microbial retentive filter (HEPA minimum)
Source: USP <797> Definitions
Compounding Aseptic Containment Isolator (CACI):
A compounding Aseptic Containment Isolator designed to provide worker protection from exposure to undesirable levels of airborne drug throughout the compounding and material transfer processes and to provide an aseptic environment for compounding sterile preparations. Air exchange with the surrounding environment should not occur unless the air is first passed through a microbial retentive filter (HEPA minimum) system capable of containing airborne concentrations of the physical size and state of the drug being compounded. Where volatile hazardous drugs are prepared, the exhaust air from the isolator should be appropriately removed by properly designed building ventilation.
