First Air: The Next Chapter in Sterile Compounding

🎙️ First Air – The Aerogen Syringe ConundrumInside the Standard: A new segment for deep dives and real‑world clarityDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode of First Air podcast are our own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aerogen or any other manufacturer, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or our employers. This content is for educational and discussion purposes only. In this episode, George and Kevin unpack one of the most confusing and commonly misunderstood issues in sterile compounding and respiratory therapy: the Aerogen syringe conundrum. 🌬️💉From regulatory gray zones to workflow pitfalls, the hosts break down how a device designed for inhalation intersects with pharmacy compounding, sterile pathways, and patient safety. This is a must‑listen for anyone working at the intersection of pharmacy and respiratory therapy.---🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:· 🫁 What Aerogen syringes are and how they’re intended to function in respiratory therapy· 📜 Which regulatory standards apply when using non‑sterile devices for inhalation therapy· ⚠️ Why using non‑sterile syringes for sterile inhalation solutions creates a real conundrum· 🧭 Practical workflows to maintain sterility and ensure safe dispensing·  🔄 Strategies to prevent misconnections and medication errors·  🤝 How pharmacy and respiratory therapy can collaborate to protect patients and streamline care---⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + recap of last episode’s standards discussion01:07 – Inside the Standard: Aerogen syringes in compounding02:20 – NECC’s legacy and why vigilance still matters03:20 – Barriers from USP <797> that persist today05:09 – What exactly is an Aerogen syringe06:33 – Regulatory considerations: USP <797>, FDA, device approval07:45 – The challenge of non‑sterile devices for sterile inhalation meds09:14 – The core conundrum: navigating sterility with non‑sterile syringes11:16 – Why Aerogen syringes are proprietary and safety‑focused12:23 – Maintaining sterile pathways despite device limitations14:37 – Compliance + workflow essentials in pharmacy dispensing15:37 – Sterile compounding and alternative container options17:34 – Handoff and distribution to respiratory therapy21:07 – Best practices: labeling, transfer, and administration22:03 – Final safety considerations + hospital workflow alignment26:48 – Summary + actionable collaboration tips29:32 – Upcoming education and professional development31:45 – Wrap‑up + listener feedback requestMaking USP <797> as Easy as 123: Overcoming Sterile Compounding Insourcing Challenges and Adult Versus Pediatric Considerations with Patti Kienle, Cindy Brasher and Jackie Jaskowiak - April 14 @ 1300 EDT - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3881123667887109978Environmental Best Practices - Abby Roth - April 24 @ 1300 EDT - https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=99&source=/linkedin99State of Pharmacy Compounding - Kevin & George - May 1 @1300 EDT - https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=95

📋 SummaryIn this episode of First Air, Eric Kastango shares his journey from a passionate pharmacist to a leading advocate for sterile compounding standards with George and Kevin. 🎙️ Episode Highlights💊 From Pharmacist to Advocate: Eric Kastango shares how his career evolved from pharmacy practice to becoming a leading voice for sterile compounding safety.🧪 Evolution of Standards: The episode explores how sterile compounding practices have changed over time and why stronger standards became necessary.🛡️ Patient Safety First: Real-world safety events helped drive the push for better oversight, training, and accountability in compounding.⚠️ Learning from the Past: The profession continues to learn from major compounding failures and adverse events.🔍 Chronic Vigilance: Ensuring sterile compounding quality requires constant attention to processes, environments, and human performance.🚧 Overcoming Resistance: Implementing higher standards often meets resistance—but progress depends on persistence.🏥 Stewardship in Sterile Compounding: Pharmacy leaders play a key role in building cultures of safety and accountability. 🔑 Key Takeaways🧠 Experience drives change – Personal and professional experiences often shape leaders in compounding safety.🛑 Errors have consequences – Historical compounding failures remind the profession why strict standards matter.🔄 Continuous improvement is required – Standards, technology, and processes must evolve as risks become better understood.🤝 Collaboration strengthens safety – Regulators, educators, and practitioners must work together to protect patients.  ⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eric Kastango and Compounding Pharmacy01:17 Eric's Journey in Pharmacy Compounding04:07 The Evolution of Sterile Compounding Standards08:15 Patient Safety and the Need for Change13:03 The Role of Education in Compounding16:35 Personal Experiences Shaping Eric's Passion19:43 Resistance and Challenges in Advancing Standards28:20 The Turning Point: NECC and Patient Safety32:14 Learning from Past Mistakes38:04 Future of Stewardship in Sterile Compounding42:10 The Importance of Education and Vigilance 📅 Upcoming Education·      Training and Competencies for Cleanroom Equipment – Patti Kienleo   Mar 27 @ 1300 EDT by Pharmacy Purchasing & Productso   Registration·      Environmental Best Practices – Abby Rotho   Apr 24 @ 1300 EDT by Pharmacy Purchasing & Productso   Registration·      Sterile Compounding Live Virtual Non-HD and HD Training – Mary Nazzal & Melanie Doreyo   May 11 – 15 by Critical Compounding Resourceso   Information & Registration 🚨 Please Subscribe, Like and Share First Air! Tell your colleagues and friends. 🚨Questions for First Air: [email protected]

📋SummaryIn the inaugural episode of the First Air podcast, hosts George Smith and Kevin Hansen introduce themselves and share their journeys into the world of pharmacy and sterile compounding. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of patient care, and the impact of their current roles in the industry. The conversation delves into the significance of going beyond standard practices in compounding, the role of leadership in pharmacy, and their vision for the podcast, including future topics and guest appearances.🔑Takeaways🌡️ The podcast explores the world of pharmacy and sterile compounding.🔍 Curiosity drives both hosts in their professional journeys.❤️ Patient care remains the core of pharmacy practice.🚀 Going beyond the standard is essential for improving patient safety.🧭 Leadership plays a crucial role in advancing pharmacy practices.⚠️ The hosts aim to raise awareness about challenges in sterile compounding.🎤 Expert guests will join future episodes to share insights and best practices.💬 Listener engagement is encouraged for topic suggestions.🌟 The hosts are passionate about making a positive impact in sterile compounding.⏱️Chapters00:00 — 🎧 Introduction to First Air Podcast02:53 — 🧪 Kevin Hansen’s Journey into Sterile Compounding06:18 — 💡 George Smith’s Path to Sterile Compounding09:16 — 🔍 The Impact of Curiosity in Pharmacy & Sterile Compounding12:08 — 🏥 Current Roles and Responsibilities15:09 — ❤️ The Importance of Patient Care18:02 — 🚀 Going Beyond the Standard in Sterile Compounding22:26 — 📜 The Journey to the Standard24:51 — 🔬 Going Beyond the Standard27:50 — 🧠 Mindset Shift in Patient Care29:45 — 🧭 Leadership and Purpose in Sterile Compounding32:33 — 🌟 Vision for the Podcast36:37 — 🌱 Raising Up Future Leaders in Compounding39:51 — 🚀 Official Launch of the PodcastQuestions for First Air: [email protected], Rate, Like and Share with your Colleagues!Follow us on LinkedIn: First Air PodcastUpcoming Educational LinksAdvanced Compounding in Action: Implementing USP <797> for Complex WorkflowsFebruary 24, 2026: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ESThttps://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/events/advanced-compounding-in-actionFDA Compounding Quality Center of Excellence – “Sterile Drug Compounding” TrainingMar 16-18, 2026 (College Station, TX)https://www.train.org/main/course/1123707/live-eventDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our employers or the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

💥 George, Kevin & sterile compounding ... on a podcast! 💥 Introducing First Air — Elevating Sterile Compounding Practices, the go‑to podcast for pharmacy professionals committed to advancing sterile compounding. Co‑hosts George Smith and Kevin Hansen—respected leaders in the sterile compounding—bring their expertise to every 30‑minute episode, blending professional insight with semi‑casual conversation.