What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for compounding sterile and nonsterile hazardous drugs?

When compounding both sterile and nonsterile hazardous drugs, it is essential to prioritize safety and minimize exposure to hazardous substances. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in protecting healthcare workers from potential hazards posed by these drugs.

In this context, gowns, head covers, shoe covers, and chemotherapy gloves are necessary as they provide comprehensive protection. Gowns are designed to prevent drips or spills from contaminating the skin and clothing, while head covers help protect hair and minimize contamination. Shoe covers are important for preventing the tracking of contaminants outside the compounding area. Chemotherapy gloves are specifically designed to resist permeation by hazardous drugs, providing an additional layer of protection that standard gloves do not offer.

This combination is vital to ensure that any exposure to hazardous drugs is mitigated, which aligns with the guidelines set forth in USP <800>, which governs the handling of hazardous drugs to ensure the safety of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. This comprehensive approach to PPE is crucial for maintaining safety in pharmacy practices that involve hazardous substances.