What does USP 800 provide guidelines for?

USP 800 provides comprehensive guidelines specifically for the handling of hazardous drugs. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring the safety of both healthcare workers and patients in a pharmacy setting. It outlines practices that must be followed when managing hazardous materials throughout their entire lifecycle—from receiving and storing to compounding and disposing of them.

The purpose of USP 800 is to minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs, which can have detrimental effects on health. This includes guidelines on proper personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls like ventilation systems, and procedures for decontamination and waste disposal. By adhering to these regulations, pharmacy staff can foster a safer working environment.

The other options, while relevant to pharmacy operations, do not capture the essence of USP 800. For example, medication storage safety and standardizing prescription filling procedures focus more on general operational guidelines rather than the specific concerns associated with hazardous drug handling. Creating patient education materials is an aspect of patient care that doesn't relate to the handling of hazardous substances identified under USP 800.