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.
Decontaminating the tray after each use ensures that any hazardous drug residues are properly removed, thereby minimizing the risk of exposure to staff and patients. This practice is essential for maintaining safety and compliance with USP Chapter 800 guidelines.
A) disposed of after each use.
Disposing of the counting tray after each use would be impractical and wasteful. USP Chapter 800 does not mandate disposal; instead, it emphasizes the importance of decontamination to maintain a safe working environment while allowing for the reuse of equipment.
B) activated before each use.
Activation is not a relevant requirement for counting trays as outlined in USP Chapter 800. This option does not address the necessary processes for ensuring safety when handling hazardous drugs, making it incorrect.
C) sterilized before each use.
While sterilization is crucial in certain contexts, USP Chapter 800 specifically focuses on decontamination for hazardous drugs rather than sterilization. Therefore, this option does not align with the requirements for handling hazardous drugs like mercaptopurine tablets.
D) decontaminated after each use.
This option is correct as USP Chapter 800 explicitly requires that reusable counting trays be decontaminated after each use to prevent contamination and ensure safety. This practice is critical for compliance with safety standards regarding hazardous drug handling.
Conclusion
Decontaminating a counting tray after each use is essential for the safe handling of hazardous drugs, as it prevents cross-contamination and exposure. The other options do not align with USP Chapter 800's requirements, making D the only appropriate choice for ensuring compliance and safety in pharmaceutical practices.