USP <800> Compliance FAQs

USP<800> Frequently Asked QuestionsUSP<800> Frequently Asked Questions

Are you prepared for USP <800>? We can help.

Spectrum is prepared for USP Chapter <800> and can help you prepare as well. From a complete line of USP <800> compliant primary engineering controls; to deactivation, decontamination, cleaning and disinfection solutions; to personal protective equipment; Spectrum has everything you need. We can also help you fill in the knowledge gaps for understanding and complying with the USP <800>. Below are a few frequently asked questions about USP<800>.

What is USP<800>?

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs - Handling in Healthcare Settings was formally published February 1, 2016 in the First Supplement to USP 39-NF 34. The purpose of the chapter is to provide standards and defined processes to protect personnel, patients and the environment when handling hazardous drugs in a healthcare setting. This guidance includes handling of materials from receipt, to storage, compounding, administration and disposal. The chapter applies to both non-sterile and sterile compounding and to all settings where hazardous drugs are handled.

When does USP<800> go into effect?

The official date of implementation for USP General Chapter <800> was December 1, 2019. If you have not yet taken any actions, you may currently be out of compliance with this new chapter. The time is now to ensure the safety of hazardous drug compounders.

What chemical solutions are required for Deactivation, Decontamination, Cleaning, Disifection or Sporicide treatments per USP<800> guidelines?

Spectrum has compiled a USP<800> Solutions Guide to identify Spectrum Pharmacy products that can be used for each step in the process.

What garb and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are required by USP<800> guidelines?

Spectrum has compiled a USP<800> PPE Guide to identify Spectrum Pharmacy products that can be used for various applications.

Where must HDs be stored?

HDs must be stored in a negative pressure room with -0.01 to -0.03 inches water column and may be stored in the same space where HD compounding occurs.

Does the hood (C-PEC) have to be vented to the outside?

C-PECs used for sterile compounding must be vented to the outside. C-PECs for non-sterile HD compounding may be vented to the outside or must have a double-HEPA filter in series that recirculates air into the room.

How do I determine which drugs are considered hazardous?

Review the current NIOSH list of hazardous drugs published by CDC, also posted on our Industry Links page.

What training is required for personnel before they begin compounding hazardous drugs?

Personnel must be trained on donning and doffing PPE, spill procedures, proper HD handling, deactivation, decontamination, cleaning and disinfection (for sterile), waste disposal and dispensing procedures.

Is an ante-room required for a non-sterile hazardous room (C-SEC)? for a sterile C-SEC? what ISO class?

No ante-room is required for non-sterile HD compounding. An ante-room with ISO class 7 air quality is required for sterile compounding.

Does USP<800> involve only supplies and personal protective equipment?

In order to prepare for the new USP<800> guidance, healthcare professionals must pay attention to receipt of hazardous drugs, facility requirements, personnel training, and obtaining the proper supplies and equipment.

How do I find products that help me become USP<800> compliant?

Spectrum has put together a USP <795><797><800> catalog of consumables, equipment and supplies that are intended to help pharmacies and laboratories with non-sterile (795), sterile (797) and hazardous drug (800) compliance.

Learn more

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About Spectrum Pharmacy Products

Spectrum Pharmacy Products leverages our expertise in sourcing, QC testing and packaging of chemicals provided by other manufacturers to meet the needs of organizations in highly regulated industries.  Spectrum Pharmacy Products is a certified women’s business enterprise (WBE).

Spectrum Pharmacy Products is a division of Spectrum Laboratory Products, Inc. and over 200 employees work together across three worldwide locations to offer thousands of chemicals in laboratory, scale-up and bulk quantities.  We also provide supplies, equipment, consumables, and PPE for your pharmacy.

We conduct in-house QC testing by lot to safeguard quality at each of our facilities and provide extensive regulatory and scientific documentation to ensure compliance. We also offer change control, lot traceability and supply chain transparency to eliminate unpredictability. Our products are packaged and stored under cGMP in FDA-registered and inspected facilities.

With our diverse product portfolio and relentless focus on quality, we deliver security of supply to minimize risk and raw material variability, as well as offer highly personalized service and practical consultations to earn your trust and exceed expectations.

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