Infection Control & Safe Handling (5–10%)
1. Importance of Infection Control in Pharmacy
• Prevents transmission of infectious agents
during drug handling and dispensing.
• Ensures patient and staff safety.
• Maintains sterility of medications, especially
in IV and sterile compounding.
• Required by SFDA, hospital protocols, and
WHO guidelines.
2. Hand Hygiene and Use of PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment)
A. Hand Hygiene
• Most effective way to prevent cross-
infection.
• Wash hands:
o Before preparing or dispensing
medications.
o After handling hazardous drugs or waste.
o After glove removal.
• Use:
o Soap and water when visibly soiled.
o Alcohol-based hand rubs (≥60% alcohol)
when hands are not visibly dirty.
B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Used to protect pharmacy staff from
exposure.
• Includes:
o Gloves (nitrile preferred over latex).
o Gowns or lab coats.
o Face masks, shields, or respirators.
o Shoe covers and caps (for sterile areas).
PPE When to Use
Gloves Handling medications, hazardous drugs
When compounding or risk of aerosol
Mask
exposure
Working with cytotoxic or hazardous
Gown
materials
During spills or handling irritating
Goggles
substances
3. Needlestick Injury Precautions
A. Risks
• Risk of exposure to HIV, HBV, HCV from
contaminated needles.
• Most common in IV compounding, sharps
disposal, or reconstitution.
B. Prevention Strategies
• Never recap used needles.
• Use safety-engineered syringes/needles.
• Dispose of sharps in puncture-proof
containers immediately after use.
• Follow proper technique for drawing,
injecting, and disposing.
C. What to Do in Case of Needlestick Injury
1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Report to supervisor and infection control
department.
3. Receive Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
as per hospital guidelines.
4. Document the incident.
4. Cross-Contamination Prevention
Definition:
• Unintended transfer of microorganisms or
drugs from one item to another.
In Pharmacy:
• Occurs when:
o Same tools used for multiple drugs
without cleaning.
o Powder from one drug contaminates
another.
o Hazardous drugs come into contact with
regular medications.
Prevention Measures:
• Clean all equipment after each use.
• Use dedicated tools (counting trays, spatulas)
for hazardous drugs.
• Use color-coded labels or bins to separate
LASA or high-alert drugs.
• Avoid touching medications directly.
5. Cleaning of Dispensing Areas and Tools
Standard Practices:
• Clean work surfaces:
o At the start and end of each shift.
o After any spill or contamination.
• Use:
o 70% isopropyl alcohol or approved
disinfectants.
o Lint-free cloths or sterile wipes.
Tool Maintenance:
• Wash and dry pill counters, trays, and
spatulas after each use.
• Calibrate and clean automated dispensing
machines regularly.
Label All Cleaning Agents clearly to avoid
accidental mixing.
6. Isolation Procedures for Infectious and
Hazardous Medications
Hazardous Drugs Examples:
• Cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs (e.g.,
methotrexate, doxorubicin).
• Hormonal agents.
• Antivirals, immunosuppressants.
Handling Protocols:
• Use Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) for
compounding.
• Prepare in negative-pressure rooms.
• Use closed-system drug transfer devices
(CSTDs).
• Wear double gloves, gown, and mask with
face shield.
Isolation Techniques:
• Separate preparation areas.
• Seal medications in labeled, leak-proof bags.
• Use hazardous drug labels (e.g., red or
yellow).
7. Biohazard Waste Disposal
A. Types of Waste
Type Example
Sharps Needles, broken ampoules
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy waste
Infectious Blood-contaminated items
Pharmaceutical Expired drugs, contaminated vials
B. Colour Coding for Waste Bins
Colour Waste Type
Red Sharps (needles, broken glass)
Yellow Cytotoxic and hazardous waste
Black Non-hazardous general waste
Blue Pharmaceutical waste
C. Disposal Steps
1. Segregate at the point of generation.
2. Place in appropriate labelled containers.
3. Seal and store in designated collection area.
4. Dispose via authorized waste contractors
(usually incineration for hazardous drugs).
8. Additional Best Practices for Pharmacy
Infection Control
• No eating or drinking in pharmacy areas.
• Use disposable liners in bins.
• Replace air filters in sterile areas regularly.
• Perform routine audits and staff training.
• Follow SFDA/Ministry of Health infection
control policies.
• Hand hygiene and PPE are first-line defenses.
• Technicians must strictly follow aseptic and
cleanroom protocols.
• Prevent cross-contamination through tool separation
and surface cleaning.
• Use correct waste bins and follow proper disposal
procedures.
• Report needlestick injuries immediately.
• Always follow hospital and SFDA infection control
SOPs.
