Packaging and Transport

Sterile Hazardous Compounding <800>

Purpose/ Applicability:  To provide guidelines for packaging and transport for sterile compounded hazardous preparations.

Scope: Applies to all personnel who handle and perform sterile compounded hazardous preparations.

Definition(s):

          ISO: International Standards Organization

          HD: Hazardous Drugs

Equipment: N/A

Procedure:

Background

Chemotherapy

• Personnel must don appropriate PPE when transporting hazardous drugs for storage
  • Non-sterile chemotherapy rated gloves should be utilized for unpacking and stocking chemotherapy drugs in the HD cleanroom
• All individuals involved in transporting HDs must have completed safety training that includes spill control information
  • Spill kits must be readily accessible
• HDs being transported into the HD cleanroom must remain in appropriate chemotherapy packaging until they are unpacked
• All chemotherapy drugs must leave the dispensary in a yellow chemotherapy bag with appropriate auxiliary labels, if needed
• Within the state of Illinois, the medication dispensary is allowed to mail prescription drugs, even if the drug is hazardous.
  • Drugs must be labeled with any appropriate auxiliary labels and in a yellow chemotherapy bag.
  • The dispensary has evaluated our current formulary and determined that all of our medications may be shipped and do not require any additional precautions
• Personnel must select and use packaging containers and materials that will maintain physical integrity, stability, and sterility of HDs during transport
  • Packaging materials must also protect the HD from damage, leakage, contamination, and degradation while protecting the personnel who transport HDs

Pass-Throughs

• Transport HDs to their appropriate storage area as soon as possible and utilize the pass through chamber to minimize contamination
  • If needed, a clean stainless steel bin can be utilized for large amounts of products
• All chemotherapy agents must be in a chemotherapy bag and put through the pass through to be grabbed from the anteroom for dispensing