A must-read for IV compounding pharmacists — a March 2026 feature in Pharmacy Times examines how outdated equipment, fragmented workflows, and manual processes continue to create safety risks in sterile compounding environments.
Key takeaways include the urgent need for integrated IV hood systems with automated data capture, built-in barcode scanning, cameras, and printers — all within the sterile field. Better ergonomics reduce technician fatigue, and workflow optimization minimizes contamination risk. The article also highlights how high-profile compounding failures, including the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak, accelerated regulatory reform under the Drug Quality and Security Act.
As USP 797 standards continue to evolve, pharmacies that invest in integrated, future-ready solutions will be better positioned to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.