The purpose of USP <800> is to minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs to pharmacy staff members, patients, and the environment. USP <800> provides a guideline to the proper handling, storing, and dispensing of hazardous medications.
As pharmacy owners know, one of the USP <800> requirements for dispensing prohibits the use of an automated counting/packaging machine for hazardous medications due to the possibility of cross contamination. The concern stems from the possibility of powder being released as the pills move through the machine.
Does USP 800 Impact the RxSafe 1800?
The RxSafe 1800 does not violate the dispensing guidelines of USP <800>.
The RxSafe 1800 holds each medication in the original packaging (the stock bottle) that it arrives in. The workflow is simple: a staff member scans the label on the stock bottle, and places the entire bottle into the safe. When the medication is needed, a staff member inputs the information into the system and the RxSafe 1800 retrieves the correct bottle. The RxSafe 1800 does not open the stock bottle, and does not package the pills. Since the RxSafe 1800 does not count or package any medication within the safe, there is no risk of cross contamination, as the bottles are never opened in the machine. This means that both hazardous and regular medications can be stored within the RxSafe 1800. This use method does not violate USP <800>.
The Eyecon 9420, which is often sold with the RxSafe 1800, is automation used to count the appropriate number of pills required. The Eyecon is manufactured by Avery Weigh Tronix. The pills are placed on a tray where an image is taken to ensure the correct number of pills are being removed from the bottle. There is an additional tray that is specific to hazardous drugs. This tray can be removed and sanitized after each prescription to avoid cross contamination. This use method for the Eyecon does not violate USP <800>.
If you would like more information or have any questions regarding the impact of the USP <800> on the RxSafe 1800, please contact an RxSafe representative (877) 797-2332.
