What is one of the primary goals of USP 797 guidelines?

One of the primary goals of USP 797 guidelines is to minimize the risk of infection for patients receiving compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). This is essential because CSPs, by their nature, are intended to be sterile and are often administered to patients who may be vulnerable to infections due to compromised immune systems or existing health conditions. USP 797 provides strict standards for hand hygiene, environmental controls, and strict protocols for the preparation and storage of CSPs to ensure their sterility and safety. Adhering to these guidelines is critical for healthcare facilities to protect patients from potential infections and ensure the integrity of the compounded medications.

While increasing efficiency in drug delivery systems, reducing costs, and encouraging documentation are important aspects of pharmacy practice, they are secondary to the primary focus of safety and infection control outlined in USP 797. The guidelines are fundamentally about maintaining high standards of cleanliness and aseptic technique to prevent contamination in sterile compounding environments.