How often should HD wipe sampling be conducted to test for contamination?

The frequency of hazardous drug (HD) wipe sampling is guided by regulations and best practices to ensure the safety of pharmacy personnel and to maintain environmental standards. The correct choice indicates that wipe sampling should be performed initially to establish a baseline level of contamination and then repeated every six months to monitor for any changes in contamination levels in the compounding area.

This approach is crucial because it helps to identify ongoing risks associated with hazardous drugs, ensuring that any potential contamination is detected and addressed promptly. Regular testing every six months also aligns with recommendations from regulatory bodies such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which advocate for a proactive approach to contamination control.

Conducting wipe sampling annually would not provide enough data on the cleanliness and safety of the compounding environment, while limiting testing to only when a spill occurs neglects the need for regular monitoring that could prevent exposure before it becomes a serious issue. Thus, establishing a routine of initial and biannual sampling is critical for maintaining a safe working environment in pharmacies that handle hazardous drugs.