USP Chapter 800 is primarily concerned with what aspect of pharmacy practice?

USP Chapter 800 sets standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs to minimize the risk of exposure for patients, healthcare workers, and the environment. These guidelines encompass various aspects including the safe storage, compounding, dispensing, administration, and disposal of hazardous drugs. The primary focus is on protecting pharmacy staff and patients from the potential risks associated with these drugs, which may include chemotherapy agents and other potentially harmful substances.

The emphasis on proper handling and storage underscores the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), utilizing engineering controls like biosafety cabinets, and ensuring appropriate environmental conditions to mitigate risk. By adhering to these standards, pharmacies can create a safer working environment while also ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, which is critical for patient care and safety.

Other topics mentioned in the options, such as compounding sterile preparations or preparation of intravenous solutions, are indeed important in pharmacy practice, but they do not specifically address the unique safety concerns and regulations associated with hazardous drugs that are the focus of USP Chapter 800. Patient counseling regulations, while essential for patient engagement and safety, are also outside the scope of the specific standards that USP Chapter 800 provides.