Drug Preparation Safety is an Important But Often Neglected Affair

It is a known fact that medicines can be a boondrug preparation safety is the Biological Safety
in the treatment of some diseases, but there arecabinet. The apparatus protects the workers
some medicines that can prove fatal. Someinvolved in production and formulation of
medications are prepared using toxic substancesmedicines by containing the aerosols generated
and these can harm the health of hospital staffduring the process. It controls the airflow and
who administers them to the patients. Formulationkeeps it away from the worker. The totally
of such medications should be done in anenclosed design reduces contamination of outer
environment that keeps any kind of contaminatingareas during compounding medicines. However, to
agent away and does not affect the sterilebe considered as effective devices for drug
products.preparation safety, it is important that the
A Barrier isolator, also known as Isolator is a goodpersonnel operating them should be well trained
device ensuring Drug preparation safety. Thisand equipped with the technology to use them
device acts as a physical barrier between a workeffectively. Any faulty operator methods adopted
process and the laboratory workers. Completewould result in critical health problems.
isolation of a process, protection of the sterile andPersonal protective equipments play a pivotal role
aseptic condition of the medicines is assured byin safe drug preparation. While handling, mixing and
the use of an Isolator. The instrument performsadministering medicinal formulations and cleaning
at negative, positive and differential pressure andany spills, leakages and residue, the nurses,
provides protection to product, environment andpharmacists, hospital staff and laboratory workers
personnel. It is an effective instrument forshould wear protective gowns, gloves, caps and
cytotoxic medicine compounding as it reducesmasks for avoiding exposure to the chemical
human interventions into the manufacturing zone.agents. Any kind of exposure can cause health
It contains a pass-through chamber and hasdisorders. Adherence to precautionary measures
separate ventilators for sterilizing and cleaningwill go a long way in ensuring a good work
goods entering and exiting the system.environment.
Another good and efficient apparatus assuring