86. According to USP Chapter 800, a reusable counting tray used to count out hazardous drugs, such as mercaptopurine tablets, must be:
Answer: D
A reusable counting tray used to count out hazardous drugs must be decontaminated after each use.
Decontamination of a reusable counting tray after each use is essential to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of handling hazardous drugs like mercaptopurine tablets.
A) disposed of after each use.
This option is incorrect because USP Chapter 800 does not require the disposal of counting trays after each use. Instead, the guidelines focus on proper cleaning and decontamination practices to maintain safety while allowing for the reuse of equipment.
B) activated before each use.
Activation of the tray is not a requirement specified in USP Chapter 800. This option is incorrect as it does not address the necessary cleaning protocols for handling hazardous drugs, which prioritize safety through decontamination rather than activation.
C) sterilized before each use.
While sterilization is critical in some contexts, USP Chapter 800 specifically emphasizes decontamination, which is a different process that ensures the removal of hazardous residues without necessarily achieving sterility. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
D) decontaminated after each use.
This option is correct. According to USP Chapter 800, reusable counting trays must be decontaminated after each use to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of hazardous drugs.
Conclusion
The correct answer, decontaminated after each use, aligns with the safety protocols outlined in USP Chapter 800 for handling hazardous drugs. This requirement ensures that all hazardous residues are removed, thus protecting healthcare workers and patients. The other options fail to meet the necessary safety standards, either by suggesting improper disposal or neglecting the critical process of decontamination.