Drug compounding gives pharmacists and labs the ability to craft medications customized to individual patients. To ensure the reliability and safety of the nation’s drug supply, the United States Pharmacopeia Convention has established USP 797, a set of procedures designed to create standardized practices across the industry. Whether you operate a pharmacy or compounding lab, below are a few tips for maintaining compliance with USP 797 guidelines.

How to Maintain USP 797 Compliance

1. Invest in Intensive Training

Ensuring that staff members understand their responsibilities under USP 797 is the best way to maintain compliance. These guidelines apply to everyone who works in drug compounding, from the pharmacists who prepare medication to the nurses who administer it to patients.

Provide all new hires with detailed training materials, including hands-on-and written exams. Your training materials should cover hygiene practices, safety garb, and disinfection of work surfaces.

2. Regularly Monitor Performance

Even the most seasoned employees can grow lax without regular monitoring and retraining. Every six months, observe how your employees wash their hands, put on safety equipment, and handle medication. At least once per year, give your staff retraining on proper sterilization and cleaning procedures.

3. Have Policies in Place

Many compliance issues occur due to employees not knowing how to deal with unexpected issues. Having clear policies in place minimizes the risk of mistakes and provides clear guidelines for handling emergencies and unusual situations.

Along with sterilization guidelines, your lab should also have an environmental control policy in place, as well as plans for quality control and storing finished products. Consulting USP 797 guidelines when creating your plans will help maintain compliance.

For over 35 years, Midwest Medical Systems has provided forward-thinking solutions to compounding labs across the country. No matter what challenges your lab faces, their team will create cost-effective turnkey solutions designed to maximize safety and maintain USP 797 compliance. Visit their website for more on their services, or call (800) 762-7722 to discuss your project with a member of their team.