Ask the MIC Man
Posted by MIC Man on January 8, 2007
Thank you so much for asking. Personally, I think it is great reading material. My wife, on the other hand, tends to greatly prefer mystery novels, so it’s nice to have someone to share these results with.
That being said, the answer is a resounding “yes”...
Continue reading "Do you have any documented test results for both dynamic and static air quality in the compounding chamber of the MIC?"
Posted by MIC Man on December 21, 2006
Nothing beats a deep breath of fresh air. Nothing beats fresh air, in general, I suppose. Thus, and in order to achieve the ISO class 5 conditions, the air in the MIC is passed through both inlet and exhaust HEPA filters. The MIC air system is based on a recirculation of the air so the air exits the compounding chamber through a HEPA filter and enters the chamber through another HEPA filter in a closed loop system...
Continue reading "Are HEPA filters used in the MIC and how frequently do the filters need changed?"
Posted by MIC Man on December 7, 2006
Fear not, MIC-owners! USP Chapter <797>, like all general chapters, has proposed revisions each year—after all, science never stands still. Once the proposed revisions are published by USP, comments from the public are solicited. The proposed revisions are then evaluated by USP through their committees, who determine if the proposed revisions are to be included in the next year’s chapter. The end product must withstand the test of good science.
Continue reading "Is USP<797> changing and if so, how and when?"
Posted by MIC Man on November 22, 2006
We care far too much about our MICs to let them go about their daily business without the ability to stay properly hygienic. That’s why we made sure to design the MIC with coved junctures of walls, ceiling and floor to facilitate cleaning. To keep the MIC looking and working great, all surfaces are reachable using the proper cleaning tools.
Since all current MIC units require manual cleaning and sanitizing, the cleanliness of...
Continue reading "Can the MIC be cleaned and sanitized on a repeatable basis?"
Posted by MIC Man on November 9, 2006
It seems a little strange, but since some tests use different methods, their results vary—especially when some of the tests are modeled after outdated technology. We find that testing an isolator that is based on advanced aseptic compounding principles versus one using laminar airflow principles will yield different results in the areas of airflows. It only makes sense.
Aseptic compounding in an isolator is different than in an open hood that depends on...
Continue reading "How Can Testing Results Be Different From Different Sources?"
Posted by MIC Man on October 4, 2006
I consider myself to be a fun-loving guy, but we take the wellbeing of our MICs pretty seriously. That being said, one of the most important and mandated pieces of USP 797 is the policies and procedures for pharmacies. CTG is different from other manufacturers in that we provide a template document for the pharmacy manager to use. We believe that a little bit of help up front is worth saving them from a big headache later on...
Continue reading "How do pharmacy managers write MIC policies and procedures?"
Posted by MIC Man on September 18, 2006
Well, of course, we at CTG have our own thoughts about this comparison, but to be fair, we find it’s best to leave this sort of study to independent minds. Thankfully, it has been done and I encourage you to read their findings below . . .
Health system pharmacies are rethinking their methods of preparing parenteral drugs as they respond to rapid change in the health care delivery system and initiate the re-engineering...
Continue reading "Have you completed any efficiency studies compared to open hoods?"
Posted by MIC Man on September 8, 2006
Yes, indeed we do—and thanks for asking. After all, we wouldn’t want just anyone answering questions about our MICs. Michele Moore, the president of CTG, is a practicing health-system pharmacist who has more than 25 years experience in compounding sterile preparations in hospitals. Through personal experience and networking with peers in pharmacy practice, she is well aware of the challenges which pharmacists face when addressing opportunities for...
Continue reading "Does CTG have experienced pharmacists on staff?"
Posted by MIC Man on August 17, 2006
Containment Technologies Group, Inc (CTG), manufacturer of the Mobile Isolation Chamber (MIC) is unique in many ways, especially in providing service to the customer once the unit has been purchased. The sale is just the beginning of your relationship with your MIC, and our responsibility is to make sure that both you and your MIC get the most out of it. To me, a MIC is too valuable to just hand over to a contractor, or leave all alone at your front doorstep. It...
Continue reading "Does CTG hire a contractor to set up the isolators at our hospital?"
Posted by MIC Man on July 19, 2006
I think it is absolutely essential for each MIC to feel validated and appreciated in its own way. After all, living without knowing your importance is difficult to swallow. Also, it may not surprise you to learn that I am quite the stickler when it comes to testing. In fact, I find that even quizzing is a beneficial way to keep MICs on the right path.
It has just been brought to my attention that...
Continue reading "Are your isolators tested or validated in anyway?"
Posted by MIC Man on June 20, 2006
I would be honored and excited to put you in touch with the folks who have already gotten to know us. In many cases, we’ve changed the way they do business, and they’ll be happy to tell you all about the difference it’s made.
A complete list of all customers is available and is partially broken down by size...
Continue reading "Can you supply our pharmacy with references in hospitals, the military and in compounding?"
Posted by MIC Man on June 15, 2006
Now there’s a great question! Once the units have been shipped and received, the opportunity for us to work together is just getting started. After all, it just doesn’t seem right for us to send a MIC out to an untrained staff. So, after we ship a MIC, our staff contacts the pharmacy to set up the training and installation dates and times. We allow the pharmacy staff to schedule the timing of the training and...
Continue reading "How does the pharmacy staff get training and learn to use CTG’s MIC isolators?"
Posted by MIC Man on June 5, 2006
Containment Technologies Group, Inc. (CTG) has been perfecting the design and construction of barrier isolators for hospital pharmacy use for over 14 years. During that time, we have focused on the benefits to the pharmacy personnel and the patients receiving the compounded preparations, as well as the environment both inside and outside of the hospital building. It’s my life’s work...
Continue reading "How many years has CTG been making isolators and how many are in use?"
Posted by MIC Man on April 27, 2006
Why, yes, as a matter of fact, they most certainly have.
“These ASHP guidelines are intended to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians prepare sterile products of high quality.”
And help they do . . .
The folks at ASHP define an ISOLATOR (or BARRIER ISOLATOR) as:
“A closed system made up of four solid walls, air-handling systems, and transfer and interaction devices...
Continue reading "Has ASHP issued Guidelines for Hospital Pharmacy Isolators?"
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