Who is ultimately responsible for the proper packaging, handling, transport, and storage of CSPs?

The pharmacist is ultimately responsible for the proper packaging, handling, transport, and storage of Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs). This responsibility stems from the pharmacist's role in ensuring patient safety and the integrity of the compounded products. As the licensed healthcare professional who oversees the compounding process, the pharmacist is tasked with verifying that all procedures comply with regulatory standards, including the guidelines set forth by USP 797.

The pharmacist is trained to understand the complexities of sterile compounding and is accountable for ensuring that CSPs are prepared in a controlled environment, are properly labeled, and are stored and transported under conditions that maintain their sterility and efficacy. By overseeing these processes, the pharmacist assures that the final product meets the required quality standards before it is dispensed to patients.

While technicians and other clinical staff members play essential roles in the compounding process, it is the pharmacist who holds the ultimate responsibility for the safety and quality of CSPs. Quality control officers may monitor processes and conduct inspections, but they do not directly oversee the preparation and dispensing of medications. Therefore, the pharmacist's role encapsulates both the accountability and authority necessary for maintaining high standards in the handling of CSPs.