According to USP 797, how often should floors be cleaned and disinfected?

The correct answer is daily. USP 797 outlines standards for compounding sterile preparations to ensure safe and effective practices in a pharmacy setting, particularly in areas where sterile products are prepared. Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for preventing contamination.

Cleaning and disinfecting the floors daily is essential because these areas can accumulate dust, debris, and potential contaminants, which pose a risk to the sterile compounding process. Frequent cleaning reduces the risk of microbial growth and contamination of sterile products. This daily routine is part of a broader set of practices designed to uphold cleanliness and reduce any potential risks to patient safety.

While less frequent cleaning (weekly, monthly, or yearly) may seem adequate in other contexts, it does not align with the stringent standards required in sterile compounding environments as specified by USP 797. Such intervals would likely allow for a buildup of contaminants that could compromise the sterility of compounded preparations.