JerryFahrni.com Podcast | Episode 11: Look at MD Anderson’s implementation of BD Cato [Article]

Show Notes: Host: Jerry Fahnri, Pharm.D. A short discussion of an article in the February 1, 2016, issue of AJHP on the implementation of BD Cato at MD Anderson hospital. Items discussed in podcast: [Article discussed]: Reece, K. M. et al. “Implementation And Evaluation Of A Gravimetric I.V. Workflow Software System In An Oncology Ambulatory Care … Read more

CPhA releases statement on USP <800> and pending California regulation

CPhA recently sent out an alert notifying members of upcoming California State Board of Pharmacy adoption of USP <800> guidelines. You can read about it here. California isn’t planning to adopt the entirety of USP <800>, but what they have decided to adopt will become enforceable on January 1, 2017. “The proposed California BOP regulations … Read more

JerryFahrni.com Podcast | Episode 10: Hazardous Drug Compounding

Show Notes: Host: Jerry Fahnri, Pharm.D. Short updates for the week ending March 26, 2016. I briefly touch on USP <800>, DrugCam semi-automated iv workflow management system, and the Grifols KIRO Robot Items discussed in podcast: USP <800> Article: DrugCam®—An intelligent video camera system to make safe cytotoxic drug preparations Cool i.v. room technology – … Read more

Recommendations for technology-assisted CSP preparation

Both ISMP and ASHP are working on draft recommendations for technology in the IV room. ISMP’s version is an update to their ‘Guidelines for Safe Preparation of Sterile Compounds’ that was originally published in 2013. The proposed revision is open for public comment until April 10th. ASHP is also working on new recommendations for the … Read more

Novel formulation of ethanol for glove decontamination to prevent Clostridium difficile contamination

Clostridium difficile is a major problem in hospitals across the U.S. According to the CDC, it is estimated that C. difficile caused almost half a million infections in the U.S. in 2011, and approximately 83,000 of the patients who developed C. difficile experienced at least one recurrence and 29,000 died within 30 days of the … Read more

Cost of cancer drug waste isn’t as simple as it seems

New York Times: “The federal Medicare program and private health insurers waste nearly $3 billion every year buying cancer medicines that are thrown out because many drug makers distribute the drugs only in vials that hold too much for most patients, a group of cancer researchers has found. …  “Drug companies are quietly making billions … Read more

Placing equipment in the primary engineering controls (PECs)

Can you place items in the primary engineering control (PEC, aka “the hood”)? I get this question from time to time with regards to IV workflow management systems (IVWFMs). Most (all?) IVWFMs currently on the market utilize various hardware components – cameras, stands, scales, tablets, etc. – inside the hood. Things may change in the … Read more

General Chapter 800 Commentary posted

Just in case anyone was interested and wanted to get a jump on the upcoming USP Chapter <800>. The USP-NF Compendial Update for February included General Chapter <800> Commentary, which was posted on February 1, 2016. It’s a PDF document that includes all the comments that were submitted for consideration to the Expert Compounding Committee. The document can … Read more

Will the revised USP Chapter 797 include recommendations for automation and technology?

Whether or not future editions of USP General Chapter <797> will include recommendations for IV room automation and technology is a great question, and one that I’ve been pondering for quite some time. I’m torn as to whether or not I think adding such recommendations to a USP General Chapter is a good idea. On … Read more