Are suppliers mandated to ship hazardous drugs in impervious plastic?

The correct answer is that it is not a strict requirement for suppliers to ship hazardous drugs in impervious plastic, but it is strongly recommended. This recommendation aligns with safety practices outlined in USP 800, which focuses on minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs for healthcare workers, patients, and the environment.

Using impervious packaging helps to prevent leakage and protects individuals from potential contamination when handling these drugs. While there is no regulatory mandate that requires all suppliers to use impervious materials for packaging, their use is advocated to enhance safety. This guidance underscores the importance of best practices rather than legal obligations, allowing for some flexibility in how hazardous drugs are shipped, as long as adequate precautions are in place.

This is distinct from the other options that imply a stricter or more conditional requirement than what is currently stated in the guidelines for USP 800.