How often should wipe sampling be performed for hazardous drugs?

Wipe sampling for hazardous drugs is an important practice in maintaining a safe and compliant environment in compounding pharmacies and healthcare facilities. The correct answer indicates that wipe sampling should be performed initially and then every six months thereafter.

This schedule is crucial because it ensures ongoing monitoring of surfaces and equipment that may have been contaminated by hazardous drugs. By conducting wipe sampling at these intervals, facilities can assess whether their cleaning protocols are effective and if any hazardous drug residue is present that could pose a risk to staff, patients, or the environment.

Regular wipe sampling is part of the overall standard operating procedures that align with guidelines from organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These guidelines emphasize the necessity of periodic assessment to ensure a consistently safe working environment and promote the proper management of hazardous drugs.