Many health care facilities are redesigning their pharmacies to comply with the revised US Pharmacopeial Convention's USP 797 standards. While these requirements are complex, when properly implemented they improve patient safety by reducing drug contamination risks. Keep reading to learn three tips for designing a safe and efficient pharmacy. 

Designing a USP 797 Compliant Pharmacy

1. Use Easy-to-Clean Equipment and Materials

Consider workbenches, computer stations, chairs, and carts made with flat, stainless-steel surfaces that can be quickly and easily sanitized with wipes. Putting larger equipment, such as workbenches, on casters makes them easier to move for daily cleaning. Eliminate widow sills and other surfaces where particulates can settle and accumulate. 

Choose floors made of continuous sheet vinyl or poured epoxy to reduce cracks and crevices where contaminants can gather. Making the walls as smooth as possible using a non-pourous material with an epoxy-based paint will help keep the room clean. Cover the lower half of walls with plastic sheeting to help protect the drywall from damage that could result in significant downtime while it is repaired. Ceiling tiles and light fixtures must be caulked in place to ensure the room is properly sealed. 

2. Consider Technology

Incorporate space for television screens, trackboards, computers, and gravimetric technology in your clean room. Make sure these devices are placed close to the low wall air returns so that any particulates they produce are immediately removed by HEPA filters. Choose low-linting paper for printing labels or other materials to reduce particulates in the air. 

Ensure your USP 797 lab will support the ever-increasing use of technology by adding extra outlets and data ports near each hood. Remember that refrigerators, freezers, and IV pump technology require emergency outlets to continue operation during a power outage. IV robots or other automated systems may require a chilled water line.

3. Facilitate Communication

Windows between the clean room and the pharmacy workspace can help support visible communication among staff. However, ensure ledges are minimized to reduce particulate accumulation and that they are properly caulked to seal the room. Phone intercoms can facilitate audible communication for relaying urgent information. Avoid fixed intercoms, which would limit flexibility if the clean room needs to be reconfigured in the future. Consider placing phone or intercom systems away from compounding or checking stations to minimize distractions in these critical areas. 

If you are ready to design your USP 797-compliant pharmacy, contact Midwest Medical Systems, in Dayton, OH. This family-owned and -operated company specializes in industry-leading supplies for hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies. Their dedicated staff will work with you to design a custom solution to improve the efficiency and functionality of your pharmacy. Call them today at (800) 762-7722 or visit them online.