N. 74 - Routine monitoring of air quality required in areas used for compounding sterile preparations

On January 1, 2004 Chapter <797>, of the United States Pharmacopeia/National Formulary (USP27/NF22) entitled “Pharmaceutical Compounding Sterile Preparations”, became effective. USP Chapter <797> details the procedures and requirements for compounding sterile preparations and sets standards that are applicable to all practice settings in which sterile preparations are compounded. Since USP Chapter <797> is considered a requirement, pharmacies may be subject to inspection for compliance with these standards by state boards of pharmacy, the FDA, and accreditation organizations, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHA) and the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP).