Which area is defined as the location where the Primary Engineering Control (PEC) is installed?

The primary engineering control (PEC) is a critical component of sterile compounding that is designed to provide an aseptic environment for preparing sterile products. The cleanroom suite encompasses the entire area where the PEC, which could be a laminar airflow workbench or other device, is installed.

A cleanroom suite is specifically designed to maintain controlled environmental conditions, including air quality, temperature, humidity, and particulate contamination, which are essential for performing sterile compounding safely and effectively. This environment is crucial for preventing contamination of sterile preparations, and the PEC is basically the device used within this controlled environment to create a sterile airflow that directly protects the compounding process.

In contrast, the secondary engineering control (SEC) refers to an area designed to support the PEC, typically providing additional environmental controls but not the direct sterile workspace. The laminar airflow workbench is a type of PEC that operates within the cleanroom suite. A pass-through is a transfer mechanism that allows items to be moved in and out of the cleanroom suite without compromising its sterility.

Thus, the cleanroom suite is the correct answer because it defines the broader area containing the PEC, making it essential for ensuring the safety and efficacy of sterile compounding practices.