Surface sampling for equipment used for preparing sterile HDs

USP Chapter <800> HAZARDOUS DRUGS—HANDLING IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS is organized into the following main sections: Introduction and Scope List of Hazardous Drugs Types of Exposure Responsibilities of Personnel Handling Hazardous Drugs Facilities and Engineering Controls Environmental Quality and Control Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Communication Program Personnel Training Receiving Labeling, Packaging, Transport, and Disposal Dispensing Final … Read more

The scope of IV room errors

There’s an interesting article in Pharmacy Practice News this month (In the IV Room, Robots Come to the Rescue). While the title of the article is a bit misleading – I think ‘rescue’ is a bit strong – it does contain quite a bit of good information. The article discusses some of the technology being … Read more

USP Chapter <800> Terminology

USP <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling In Healthcare Settings introduces not only new rules around hazardous drug compounding, but some new terminology/vocabulary as well. Most of the terminology doesn’t address unique items, but rather how items are described when handling hazardous drugs (HDs). USP Chapter <800> refers to “containment” primary and secondary engineering controls (C-PECs … Read more

Google improves symptom search

I’m sure most of you have Googled for medical advice at one time or another. I know I’ve performed quick Google searches for healthcare information, including specific drug information. It turns out that a lot of people search for symptoms online, and the information isn’t always helpful. Sometimes a little information can send people’s minds … Read more

Cool technology for pharmacy – ProteXsure Safety Capsule System

Needle sticks happen. I’ve actually stuck myself a few times during my career while compounding in the IV room. Fortunately for me, it never involved anything hazardous. Still, it was a pain. No pun intended. Over the years a lot of attention has been given to methods for preventing needle sticks in healthcare, ranging from things … Read more