In March 2008, Baxa Corporation announced the latest addition to its Skills Training, Academics and Resources (STAR) Center course offerings. "Safe Handling and Preparation of Hazardous Drugs" was developed for nurses, pharmacists, and physicians who prepare, handle, or administer hazardous drugs (HD). The 10-hour course combines hands-on experience with regulatory compliance and industry best practice to provide the most complete training in HD compounding and safe handling available. Baxa launched the first class in April 2008, with subsequent course dates in June and August. The course is designed for front-line pharmacists, technicians, nurses, physicians, pharmacy managers, and nursing managers and covers concepts that affect HD policies and procedures, from engineering controls to the proper use of closed-system drug transfer devices. Course material focuses on proper aseptic techniques and the principles and requirements of HD waste and disposal. Baxa developed the core curriculum with subject matter experts in HD, environmental consulting, and USP 797 to prepare professionals for the chapter guideline changes announced in December 2007.
STAR Center attendees are able to draw upon the knowledge and experience that the expert faculty brings. The program combines open discussion with hands-on learning to reinforce the principles that are presented during the classroom time. The STAR Center is a state-of-the-art cleanroom, pharmacy, and training facility located at the Baxa world headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. The center was purpose-built to support training in aseptic technique, pharmacy workflow and practice, cleanroom design and maintenance, and USP 797 compliance, among other topics. Classes are taught by instructors who have been recognized by industry for their expertise in the subject matter.
The company designed and built the STAR Center as a fully USP 797-compliant pharmacy cleanroom to provide professional education on pharmacy practice, cleanroom principles, and compliance to regulatory requirements. The STAR Center, the only dedicated facility of its kind, provides facilities managers, engineers, and architects a unique opportunity to have hands-on training regarding facility requirements.
Baxa, a customer-focused medical device company, provides solution-based technologies for fluid handling and delivery aimed at promoting the safe and efficient preparation, handling, packaging, and administration of fluid medications. Key products include the PadLock Set Saver, Rapid-Fill Automated Syringe Fillers, Exacta- Med Oral Dispensers, MicroFuse Syringe Infusers, Repeater Pharmacy Pumps, and Exacta- Mix and MicroMacro Multi-Source Automated Compounders, which are used worldwide in hospitals and healthcare facilities.