Hazardous Drug Compounding Flashcards

A technician is unpacking a shipment of hazardous drugs (HDs) that has just arrived at the pharmacy. According to USP , what is the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for this task?

Answer: One pair of chemotherapy gloves.

USP Chapter requires that personnel unpacking HDs wear appropriate PPE to protect from potential contamination on the exterior of containers. The minimum requirement for this specific task is one pair of chemotherapy gloves that meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D6978.

When cleaning up a small spill of a hazardous drug (less than 5 mL) in the compounding area, which of the following steps is a critical requirement of the USP guidelines?

Answer: Wearing appropriate PPE, including two pairs of chemotherapy gloves, and using a spill kit.

USP mandates that spills must be cleaned immediately by qualified personnel wearing appropriate PPE. For any HD spill, this includes two pairs of chemotherapy gloves, a gown, and eye protection. A spill kit must be accessible and used to contain and clean the spill effectively and safely. Using a spray bottle is prohibited as it can aerosolize the hazardous drug residue.

Which of the following agents is recommended by USP for the deactivation of many hazardous drugs on surfaces before decontamination and cleaning?

Answer: Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) or Hydrogen Peroxide

USP outlines a four-step process for cleaning: deactivation, decontamination, cleaning, and disinfection. Deactivation involves rendering the HD inert or inactive. Agents like sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide are effective oxidizing agents commonly used for this purpose. While 70% isopropyl alcohol is used for disinfection, it does not deactivate HDs.

After compounding a sterile hazardous drug, a technician must dispose of the outer pair of chemotherapy gloves. According to USP , where should these gloves be discarded?

Answer: In an approved waste container inside the PEC or a sealable bag for disposal outside the PEC.

USP specifies that all PPE worn when handling HDs is considered contaminated. Chemotherapy gloves used during compounding must be discarded in a waste container approved for trace-contaminated waste located inside the Primary Engineering Control (PEC). Alternatively, they can be placed in a sealable bag inside the PEC and then discarded in an appropriate container outside the PEC.

A pharmacy is required to have a designated person responsible for overseeing compliance with USP . Which of the following is a primary responsibility of this individual?

Answer: Ensuring competency of personnel and overseeing environmental control of HD areas.

USP requires each entity to have a designated person who is qualified and trained to be responsible for developing procedures, overseeing compliance with the chapter, ensuring personnel competency in handling HDs, and ensuring that the storage and compounding areas are appropriately controlled and monitored.

During sterile hazardous drug compounding, how often must a technician's chemotherapy gloves be changed?

Answer: Every 30 minutes or per the manufacturer's recommendations.

To ensure continuous protection and minimize the risk of contamination, USP Chapter requires chemotherapy gloves to be changed every 30 minutes during compounding, or more frequently if they are torn, punctured, or contaminated, unless the manufacturer specifies a longer duration of use.