What standard outlines the safe handling of hazardous drugs in the USA?

The standard that outlines the safe handling of hazardous drugs in the USA is USP 800. This chapter provides specific guidelines to ensure the protection of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment when handling hazardous drugs. The key focus of USP 800 is to establish a consistent framework for risk assessment, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous medications, thereby minimizing exposure risks.

USP 800 emphasizes requirements related to various aspects such as the design and maintenance of facilities, personal protective equipment, and training for personnel involved in the handling of these drugs. This standard is essential for maintaining a safe workplace, particularly in settings like pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics where hazardous drugs are routinely used.

In contrast, USP 797 primarily addresses sterile compounding practices, while FDA guidelines and CDC standards provide broader regulatory frameworks but do not specifically focus on the handling of hazardous drugs as comprehensively as USP 800 does. Therefore, recognizing the importance of USP 800 is crucial for anyone involved in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare settings where hazardous drugs are part of the workflow.