Your Pharmacy…Your Health…Your Choice!

Approximately 200 million people (2/3 of the entire population) pass through America’s pharmacies each week. According to an estimate, over 55,000 pharmacies are serving various healthcare needs throughout the country. In the United States, the role of pharmacies is very complex within the health care system. The primary responsibility of pharmacies is to prevent the abuse of medicine and provide consumers the formulation which is prescribed by a medical practitioner in a safe and appropriate way. This enables optimal therapeutic outcomes in response to the use of medications, devices, and other pharmacy related services. In pharmacies and other compounding facilities, drugs are dispensed for public consumption. It is essential to practice sterile techniques for compounding, dispensing, and other pharmacy-related services to reduce the potential risk of infections.

Overlooking the above discussed facts may have dire consequences. For example, in October 2012, a compounding pharmacy located in the New England area was linked to the fungal meningitis that has infected 424 people and caused 31 deaths so far. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and state health departments estimate that approximately 14,000 patients may have received injections with medication from the three implicated lots of methylprednisolone and nearly 97% have now been contacted for further follow-up. The CDC’s lab has identified a fungus known as Exserohilium rostratum from the clinical specimen obtained from most of the infected patients. However, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium are also identified from some infected individuals. Interestingly, these two fungi are common in indoor environments, but previously unlinked to this type of infection.

The goal of pharmacies should be to help the patient obtain the maximum benefit of therapeutics.  Ultimately, it is related to the public well-being and improving the quality of life for an individual suffering with health related issues. Improper handling and hygiene in a pharmacy is a common factor for spreading infection. Therefore, it is essential to have the knowledge of pharmacy’s good practices in order to minimize the potential risk of pathogens and other infectious agents. Most pharmacies and owners think that the only way to effectively reduce contamination is by the rebuilding of a clean room and requires substantial investment. However, a structured training program, a potential source of contaminant awareness, environmental monitoring, microbiological surveillance, sterility testing, remedial action and, more importantly, regular compliance oversight is helpful in maintaining pharmacies and other compounding facilities in order to serve the health care needs of society sensibly. 

After all it is “Your Pharmacy…Your Health…Your Choice!”

Contact Dr. Rajiv R. Sahay for IAQ testing of your facility or laboratory analysis at 1-800-422-7873 ext 301

About EDLab

EDLab was founded in 1994 by Alan Wozniak, President/CEO of Pure Air Control Services, Inc.. EDLab, an American Industrial Hygiene Association (EMLAP #102795) accredited laboratory, offers comprehensive environmental microbiology services.

EDLab has processed well over 200,000 environmental samples including Aerobiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Microbiology, Microscopy, Temp/RH, Legionella, Mycotoxins and others. In addition to analytical services, it also provides expert testimony, second opinion on testing/test results and other professional services related to the environmental testing needs. For additional information call toll free in the US at 1-800-422-7873 or outside the US 1-727-572-4550