The
use of airlocks is a principle that is well-established in the design of cGMP
facilities. Despite the apparent simplicity of inserting small rooms into the
plan of a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, there is confusion regarding
their proper use and definition. Airlock seems like a simple enough term, but
airlocks have several distinct functions that, although closely related, are
freely mixed and often cause confusion. This article looks at these functions
and definitions.
This
is the introduction to an interesting article by Eric Bohn for Pharmaceutical
Technology.
Airlocks,
gowning rooms, and transition spaces have different uses and should be
considered separately.