Is it necessary to have separate equipment for compounding HDs and non-HDs?

Having separate equipment for compounding hazardous drugs (HDs) and non-hazardous drugs is essential for ensuring safety and preventing contamination. Specifically, the requirement is that equipment that comes into direct contact with hazardous drugs must be dedicated solely to compounding those HDs. This is to minimize the risk of cross-contamination which can pose serious health risks to patients, personnel, and the environment.

When equipment that has been used for hazardous drugs is reused for non-hazardous drugs, there's a significant risk that residues of HDs could remain on the equipment, potentially affecting the quality and safety of the compounded non-hazardous drugs. Therefore, the creation of separate equipment for HDs is crucial to maintain a safe compounding environment and protect all individuals involved in the handling of these drugs.

While some general equipment might be utilized in such a way that it does not directly contact HDs or non-HDs, dedicated equipment is specifically mandated for anything that interacts with the hazardous substances. This approach not only fulfills regulatory compliance but also aligns with best practices in pharmacy compounding to ensure patient safety and operational integrity.