What should be done with equipment that does not come in direct contact with HDs?

The correct response indicates that equipment which does not come in direct contact with hazardous drugs (HDs) still requires careful handling to ensure safety and compliance with USP <800> guidelines. Even if the equipment does not directly interact with HDs, there is still a potential for residual contamination or transfer of hazardous material.

Deactivation, decontamination, and cleaning are crucial steps to prevent any risk of exposure to personnel and the environment. This process ensures that any traces of HDs that may have settled on the surface or in the vicinity during use are effectively handled. Thorough cleaning helps maintain a safe workspace and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, aligning with the goals of reducing the impact of hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.

Other options fail to recognize the necessity of maintaining stringent protocols even for equipment that appears removed from direct HD handling. For example, allowing equipment to be used freely in both HD and non-HD areas without cleaning does not address the risk of inadvertent contamination. Sharing such equipment between areas without a cleaning protocol can lead to serious safety concerns, while stating that this equipment can be used without special considerations overlooks proper handling and the cautious approach that USP <800> advocates.