Does only medium and high-risk level compounding require a double-check system before a CSP can leave the Pharmacy?

The double-check system in sterile compounding is a critical safety measure intended to minimize errors that could lead to potentially harmful outcomes for patients. According to USP 797 guidelines, this system is not limited only to medium and high-risk level compounding.

In fact, the guidelines recommend implementing a double-check system across all levels of compounding to ensure accuracy and adherence to protocols. This means that even low-risk compounding should be subject to this practice to safeguard patient health and ensure the integrity of the compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). Implementing this system at all risk levels involves having a second qualified individual verify the accuracy of the compounding process, which includes checking the ingredients, compounding techniques, and the final product.

This comprehensive approach to verification underscores the importance of preventing errors throughout the compounding process, regardless of the perceived risk level associated with the preparation. Thus, saying that only medium and high-risk levels require such a system does not align with the best practices established in USP 797.