Sheldon S. Sones, RPh, FASCP, is president of Sheldon S. Sones and Associates, a pharmacy and accreditation consulting firm based in Newington, Conn.
Sheldon Sones: In a recent review of an endoscopy center, I took note of the refrigerator stocking of Remicade for their practice side. The value of what was in the refrigerator approached $100,000. I often think of the similar value in large ophthalmology centers of their products.
If the refrigerator dies, how prepared are you to protect this investment? Moreover, even if small quantities and value of drug are present (i.e. insulin, succinylcholine), do you have an adequate system in place to assure product integrity in such a scenario for your patients?
Assuring that refrigerators are on a generator and that you have a thermometer with alarms for temperatures outside of 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit goes a long way and may save product and dollars. This center did. And the cost to protect its investment:
Thermometer: $55
Electrician: $300
Neither priceless
Learn more about Sheldon S. Sones and Associates and www.sheldonsones.com.
Read more insight from Sheldon Sones:
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- 10 Things to Do to Minimize Controlled Drug Deviations
- Deletion of Clonidine From Code Cart