Compounding sterile products requires following the guidelines issued by Chapter 797 of United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These strict procedures ensure pharmacies, hospitals, compounding laboratories, and other healthcare services remain sanitary to avoid potentially catastrophic problems such as contaminated drugs. Below are tips for improving USP 797 workflows to maintain a sanitary environment. 

What Are Some Ways to Improve USP 797 Workflows?

1.Install a Pass-Through Refrigerator

A pass-through refrigerator allows workers to place large product batches into the refrigerator without exiting the room. It reduces the time spent putting on cleanroom garb before entering the room to remove batches. Workers usually have to accommodate small batches at a time and therefore have to enter and exit the space more than once. Pass-through refrigerators subsequently reduce foot traffic and related contamination concerns because large batches exit the room on their own.

2. Limit Foot Traffic

Improve workflows by reducing access to the cleanroom. For example, instead of allowing different janitorial staff to clean the room on different days, hire a small team with cleanroom experience to sanitize the space daily. Such personnel may have to undergo additional training to learn your room’s cleaning procedures. Anyone with cleanroom access must wear appropriate clothing and gear, including shoe and hair covers, a gown, and a face mask.

3. Stock Cleaning Supplies

Avoid production slowdowns by maintaining stores of cleanroom supplies. Running out of anything, such as disinfectant or proper protective wear, allows particles to accumulate in the cleanroom and potentially compromise compounding sterile products. Keeping supplies in stock also prevents delays from extended cleaning of particle buildups. It’s beneficial to purchase back-up supplies in case your cleaning team  runs out of sterilizing solutions or other items prematurely. 

Renovate your pharmacy or other USP 797 setting with assistance from Midwest Medical Systems. This company provides pharmacy refrigerator installations among other services to USP 797 businesses throughout the Midwest since 1989. Call the Dayton, OH-based company today to discuss pharmacy solutions or learn more about products and services on their website or on Facebook.