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 […]
Clean Air Technology & Supplies Q&A | Jim Wagner, President, CEC
Q. We find ourselves spending a significant amount of money every year to certify our cleanrooms and laminar flow devices. Is it necessary to do this testing twice a year? The short answer is yes, USP chapters and regulators mandate certification be done every six months. This answer, however, ignores the real reasons certification twice […]
NSF/ANSI 456 Vaccine Storage Standard
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 […]
Provide Protection: Closed-System Transfer Devices (CSTDs)
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 […]
Pharmacy Management Software Q&A | Eric Shoffner, BPharm
Features and benefits to consider when buying or using a pharmacy management system. Q. How user-friendly is the (pharmacy management software) “system”? From past experience, I have found that a difficult system can be mastered by long-term and committed employees (pharmacist/techs). I have also found that turnover is a major factor in our industry. Always […]
