What is the primary scope of USP 800?

The primary scope of USP 800 focuses specifically on the handling of hazardous drugs where there is a risk of exposure. This includes drug compounding, dispensing, administration, and disposal. The regulations are designed to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the environment from the potential harms associated with hazardous drugs, which can include chemotherapeutic agents, certain biologics, and other medications that may pose a risk to health.

USP 800 establishes guidelines for the safe handling practices, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment required to minimize exposure to hazardous drugs. By emphasizing the importance of reducing the risk of exposure, USP 800 aims to create a safer working environment for healthcare professionals who interact with these substances, thereby enhancing overall safety in the pharmacy and healthcare settings.

This focus on risk of exposure clearly distinguishes USP 800 from guidelines that might encompass all pharmaceuticals, which is not its intent; the standard is specifically concerned with hazardous drugs and their handling to ensure safety and compliance within healthcare systems.