SUCCESS STORY
ALTRU SPECIALTY
In phase two, test packages were prepared in the same way, but
this time shipped to various geographies using different modes of
transportation such as courier and FedEx. Again, Zebra collected the
time-temperature data, this time using the information to prepare a
PPQ Report that shows the qualification of the packouts.
Aside from ensuring packages performed the way it needed them to,
Kalenze says one of the most significant benefits has been instituting
best practices throughout the shipping process. “Now every shipment
of refrigerated medication is packed the same way,” she says. “In the
past, there were no specific guidelines. So one person might include
one icepack in a shipment where another might put in three, which
could cause medication to freeze.”
Altru went on to complete its second round of PPQ testing with ease.
“We tested controlled room temperature (CRT) and refrigerated
shipments during the summer to ensure packouts keep medication
from getting too hot,” says Kalenze. “With all we learned in our
previous testing, the process the second time around was much
smoother and we successfully passed phase one on the first try.”
The Results
The specialty pharmacy was also pleasantly surprised to find that the
PPQ testing would help with its URAC accreditation, which it began
working toward in October 2019. “A lot of URAC’s requirements
are centered on providing documented proof that medication
temperatures are monitored and maintained,” says Kalenze.
“And everything we have done will apply.”
Looking Forward
Altru’s next step was to test CRT packages during the colder seasons
and retest refrigerated packouts. “Regular, seasonal PPQ testing is just
so important,” Kalenze says. “Our patients trust us – and we need to
continually earn that trust with every single shipment that goes out.”
More than that, she adds, most of the drugs the pharmacy delivers
– such as cancer medications – are critical to patients. “They have to
arrive on time and in good condition; it’s imperative.”
In the end, she says, “PPQ testing just delivers peace of mind – for the
pharmacy as well as for patients.”
“To be sure we are giving our
patients the best possible care, it’s
important to know we are sending
drug products in such a way that
they remain both effective and
safe.”
Rosemary Kalenze, PharmD,
Outpatient Pharmacy Manager
Altru Specialty Pharmacy
Tap into the future of temperature monitoring at www.zebra.com/tempmonitoring
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R3, Doc #3177 03/2022
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