Clean Technology, Supplies, Services Q&A
Contributor: Alex Atmadi, MSC., Scientific BU and Product Magner, ESCO Technologies, Inc. Q. What are the key differences between pharmacy isolators, cleanrooms, and barrier isolators in terms of functionality and regulatory compliance? Pharmacy isolators, cleanrooms, and barrier isolators (also known as Restricted Access Barrier Systems or RABS) serve distinct roles in pharmacy operations, each with […]
Wholesalers & Distributors Q&A | Ezriel Green, CEO
Secondary wholesalers play a vital role in the pharmacy supply chain; and in addition to primary wholesalers, pharmacies have a plethora of options for finding better deals, finding access to hard-to-find products, and even better payment terms. Almost every primary contract has a carve-out that allows pharmacies to purchase from secondary suppliers, so let’s discuss it! Q: With negative reimbursements at an all-time high, what’s […]
Compounding Resources Q&A | Town Total Compounding Center
Q. As both board chair of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and a compounding pharmacy owner, what are you seeing lately in the world of pharmacy compounding? There are big changes and great opportunities right now in pharmacy compounding, both for 503As and 503Bs. With updated USP chapters, some pharmacies that do a small volume of compounding […]
Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Q&A | US Environmental Protection Agency
Q. Why is EPA finalizing management standards for hazardous waste pharmaceuticals? EPA has two primary reasons for this final rule. First, to address concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the difficulty in implementing the industry-oriented Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste regulations for the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals generated at healthcare facilities and […]
503B Outsourcing Facilities & Services Q&A | Barb Knightly, PharmD, RPh
Q. What are the regulatory differences between an outsourcing facility (503B) and how does it differ from a hospital pharmacy (503A)? The Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) was signed into law in 2013, creating Section 503B, following a meningitis outbreak caused by contaminated mass-produced compounded medications. Regulations required of 503B outsourcing facilities are much […]
Adherence Packaging Q&A | Lindsay Dymowski Constantino
Q. What is adherence packaging? Adherence packaging is a system that allows pharmacies to dispense medication in organized pouches or blisters that are customized to a patient’s specific medication regimen. The purpose of dispensing in adherence packaging vs. traditional bottles is to support patient medication adherence, making it easier for a patient to independently take […]
Pharmacy Returns Services & Resources Q&A | Christine Lee-Wilson, PharmD, Owner, Professional Pharmacy
Q. Can you give us a little background on why reverse distribution or drug returns are important for pharmacies? The main objective of a reverse distribution or drug returns program is to minimize the risk of expired medications being dispensed and getting into the hands of patients accidentally. So above anything else, it’s a public health […]
Pharmacy Automation & Robotics Technology Q&A | Miriam Cho, President/CPO, MAC Rx
Q. What are the greatest benefits of pharmacy automation? Utilizing automation in the pharmacy allows for the ability to efficiently manage workflow, control labor costs, improve accuracy related to human error, and provide relief to current operational concerns related to the current labor market. Q. When should you consider automation? Planning and understanding your market […]
Closed-System Transfer Devices (CSTDs) | Featured in 20Ways Summer Hospital 2022
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a closed system drug-transfer device (CSTD) as a system that “mechanically prohibits the transfer of environmental contaminants into the system and the escape of hazardous drug or vapor concentrations outside the system.” CSTDs are designed to provide protection against hazardous exposures to healthcare workers who are compounding […]
NSF/ANSI 456 Vaccine Storage Standard | Featured in 20Ways Summer Hospital 2022
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine providers and program administrators faced significant challenges as they navigated the selection and purchase of effective vaccine storage equipment. Because vaccines require storage at specified temperature ranges, refrigerators and freezers play a significant role in the storage and handling process. Proper storage is critical to ensure the safety and […]
