The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) published its updated General Chapter <800> on April 15, 2026, establishing new practice standards for the handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare settings. The revisions apply to all pharmacy personnel who handle, compound, or dispense hazardous drugs, including those used in chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and certain immunosuppressive treatments.
Enhanced Containment Ventilation: All compounding of hazardous drugs must now be performed in a Class II Type B2 biological safety cabinet or a compounding aseptic containment isolator (CACI) that meets new airflow standards. Existing equipment must be retrofitted or replaced within 18 months.
Stricter PPE Requirements: Personnel must wear double gloves tested against ASTM D6978, chemotherapy-tested gowns, and full-face shields when handling hazardous drugs. A respirator (N95 or equivalent) is now mandatory for all compounding activities, even when using engineering controls.
Expanded Medical Surveillance: Pharmacy staff who regularly handle hazardous drugs must undergo annual health assessments, including complete blood counts and liver function tests, to monitor potential occupational exposure.
Deactivation and Cleaning Protocols: Detailed deactivation, decontamination, and disinfection procedures must be documented and followed after each compounding session, with surfaces tested quarterly for drug residue.
Our pharmacy has always prioritized the safety of our staff and patients. We are proactively implementing the updated USP <800> standards, including upgrading our compounding equipment and enhancing our PPE protocols. Our pharmacists receive ongoing training to ensure compliance with the latest safety regulations.
While these changes primarily affect pharmacy operations, you can be confident that every medication dispensed from our pharmacy is handled with the highest safety standards. If you have questions about your medications or our handling procedures, please don't hesitate to ask our pharmacist.
This article is a summary of the USP General Chapter <800> updates. For full details, refer to the USP official publication or consult with our pharmacy team.
