Should all quality assurance programs for compounding facilities be standardized for consistency?

The assertion that quality assurance programs for compounding facilities can vary between facilities recognizes the unique characteristics, needs, and operational demands of different settings. Each compounding facility may have its own specific requirements based on factors such as the types of products being compounded, the volume of compounding performed, facility size, staff training levels, and local regulations.

While standardization can be beneficial for establishing a foundation of best practices, not all facilities operate under identical conditions. Some may have specialized protocols tailored to their specific circumstances or may need to accommodate particular safety concerns, especially in the context of non-hazardous versus hazardous compounding. For instance, a smaller facility compounding a limited range of low-risk medications may not require the same extensive protocols as a larger facility that handles complex formulations or higher-risk tasks.

This variability allows facilities the flexibility to develop and implement quality assurance programs that best serve their environment and comply with applicable regulations, ensuring they achieve optimal safety and efficacy in their compounding practices.