This is a summary of the final standard for compounding pharmacies. The technical data gives a more precise explanation of the needed changes.

IEST - Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology
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The April 2007 article from IEST defining the current and proposed revisions for USP <797>.

Isolation Room/Infection Control Documents

Design, Assessment and Upgrade of Isolation Rooms

Describes what an infectious isolation room should be.

The Isolation Room

MAS' in-depth look at infectious isolation rooms from designing to commissioning.

OSHA CPL 2.106

This 1994 document is still in effect to regulate infectious isolation rooms.

HICPAC 2001 Guidelines

This guideline sets some new parameters for isolation rooms.

HICPAC 2003 Infection Control Guidelines

This guideline updates some the infection control for healthcare institutions.

MMWR Reports that M. tb is still a threat

This report summarizes data from the national TB surveillance system for 2003 and describes trends during a 5-year period, with comparison to 1998 and 2002.

Engineering Infection Control through Facility Design

Many medical centers have modified their facility design to provide a safer environment for patients. From an infection control perspective, the primary objective of hospital design is to place the patient at no risk for infection while hospitalized. We describe historical landmarks about hospital design, modern facility design, and specific designs to prevent acquisition and spread of infections such as tuberculosis and aspergillosis.

Recognition of Illness Associated with the Intentional Release of a Biologic Agent

On September 11, 2001, following the terrorist incidents in New York City and Washington, D.C., CDC recommended heightened surveillance for any unusual disease occurrence or increased numbers of illnesses that might be associated with the terrorist attacks.

USP <797>

USP <797> Requirements

This is a summary of the final standard for compounding pharmacies. The technical data gives a more precise explanation of the needed changes.

IEST - Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology

The April 2007 article from IEST defining the current and proposed revisions for USP <797>.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)

UVGI Primer

The basics of Ultraviolet "C" used to eradicate airborne pathogens.

UVGI Design Basics

How to incorporate UVGI in your infection control program.

Immune Building Technology

Use of UVGI and filtration protect various types of buildings from Bioterrorism.

Germs in the HVAC System

Use of UVGI to destroy and filters to capture airborne pathogens.

HVAC System Protection

Methodologies for protecting HVAC systems from normal pathogens found in the air.

UVGI and Bioterror Countermeasures

UVGI to combat weaponized pathogens

NIOSH Funded Study Tests UV System for Employee TB Protection

UVGI, specified correctly, is a real killer against airborne pathogens. Upper room UVGI, can, in HVAC terms, add an additional 33 air changes per hour in a standard sized isolation room.

Recognition of Illness Associated with the Intentional Release of a Biologic Agent

Recommended heightened surveillance for any unusual disease occurrence or increased numbers of illnesses that might be associated with the terrorist attacks.

Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa, Molds and Fungi

List of Airborne Pathogens

A color coded list of pathogens with the medical conditions they cause.

Control of Microbes

Common microbes that are found in buildings and ways to control them.

The Spread of Respiratory Disease in Office Buildings

How bacteria and viruses spread in buildings with various statistics.

SARS (VoC) Virus

A group of documents that explain and give advice for dealing with this disease.

NIOSH TB Study

Abstracts from various studies that can be accessed on the Internet.

WHO Global TB Report

The World Health organization issued this report about TB worldwide.

Bio-Terrorism and Bio-Terrorism Preparedness

Bio-Warfare Agents and Info

A list of agents and information from various sources about this threat.

Smallpox: An Attack Scenario

By Tara O'Toole of Johns Hopkins. A very chilling scenario.

NIOSH Building Study

This document will give you information on how to protect your building/facility.

UVGI and Bioterror Countermeasures

UVGI to combat weaponized pathogens

"Current Comments: Vol. 2 No. 1

Bioterrorism and the Emergency Department. What the ER can expect and prepare for.

Medical Air Solutions Articles and Documents

Current Comments" Vol. 1 No. 1

What are negative pressure rooms and what are the requirements?

Current Comments" Vol. 1 No. 2

The mechanics of moving air into and out of a room using intra-room airflow dynamics.

Current Comments: Vol. 1 No. 3

Air change rates and what rooms require what kind of changes.

Current Comments: Vol. 1 No. 4

New studies on UVGI state it's effectiveness on airborne pathogens.

Current Comments: Vol. 1 No. 5

An essay/editorial on the state of preparedness for a bioterrorist attack.

Current Comments: Vol. 2 No. 1

Bioterrorism and the Emergency Department. What the ER can expect and prepare for.

"Current Comments: Vol. 2 No. 2

Can you create a negative pressure environment in a wing or on a floor? Yes you can but there are many things to consider. This article gives a brief description of what is involved.

HEPA Filters - What Are They?

Most Internet sites do not understand what they are and what they can do and are clueless on how they work. This is not unusual...

"Current Comments: Vol. 4 No. 1

This is a summary of the revisions for compounding pharmacies. The technical data give a more precise explanation of the needed changes. See the USP <797> section of this web site for the latest information available

"Current Comments: Vol. 4 No. 2

Architectural and Engineering companies invariably will attempt to design infectious isolation rooms by utilizing a house air handler unit (AHU). Invariably this approach is doomed to failure over the long haul.

Miscellaneous Documents

Ozone Generators

If you can smell ozone you are being overexposed. Read this EPA report.

A Mold Q&A from the CDC

Common questions about mold and mold infestations in home and other buildings.

Mail Safety

Mail Handling Documents

The main page for various documents on how to handle the mail safely.

CDC Mail Advisory

The CDC issued this advisory for handling incoming mail.

OSHA Mail FAQ

OSHA's Frequently Asked Questions that mailroom personnel would ask.

GSA Mailroom Guidelines

The GSA's recommendations for handling mail in the D.C. area.