Endotoxins are important to me. In addition to impacting the core function of my chosen field – intrathecal drug therapy — they are a singularly fascinating phenomenon. I take them – and Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (BET) — very seriously.
Endotoxins are small impurities present in bacteria. They are actually sections of bacterial walls – more specifically, [...]

One of my mentors, Dr. Lawrence Trissel, a well-known expert in chemical testing of pharmaceuticals and stability studies in sterile compounding, conducted a study where he took two lab technicians at the end of the day, and had them do 100 preparations, drawing up liquid-growth media into 100 syringes. Once all were tapped and set [...]

As part of my never-ending quest for quality perfection, I have always sought out equipment to help Hartley Medical ensure the optimum in quality assurance testing. We recently acquired a new instrument of which I am exceedingly proud, and my son Gordon has suggested I talk about it.
More than ten years ago, I considered purchasing [...]

Medicare reimbursement for intra-spinal therapeutics administered in the physician office setting was recently greatly reduced by CMS’ regional MACs.
This reimbursement reduction for “J3010,” hydromorphone, may make it difficult for many physicians’ pain practices to continue to provide this pharmaceutical to their patients in this convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective office setting.
Sharing your experience will help illustrate [...]

William and Gordon Stuart at their booth during the NANS Conference in Las Vegas.

I recently attended the NANS (North American Neuromodulation Society) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attending the conference were physicians, scientists, and vendors from all corners of the globe. I was able to attend many of the offered lectures, including those on [...]

AAPS –WANNA BE A ROCK STAR?
I recently attended an AAPS (American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists) meeting at the LA Convention Center. I went to hone my analytical skills and to enhance my understanding of analytical chemistry as it pertains to compounded preparation.
 What I found there was essentially a room full of geniuses – 8500 geniuses [...]

ON THE SUBJECT OF INTRA-THECAL PHARMACEUTICALS…
Over the years, I’ve received numerous calls and questions regarding the chemical characteristics of intra-thecal medications. In answer to these queries, I’ve decided to get the ball rolling by sharing some published information with you – on solubility and syringe composition limits – information that I believe will prove of [...]

Pain heads the list of reasons Americans seek medical treatment. Yet those suffering from pain often confront an array of obstacles to pain management. This is all the more reason to find a ray of hope in the bravery and advocacy of Casey Matthews, a 19-year-old Southern California student. Since Casey’s mother has been [...]

I recently represented the sterile compounding pharmacy industry at the Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA) Policy Forum on this issue. My sincere appreciation goes out to the AfPA for planning and executing the meeting and to Drs. David Kloth (Connecticut Pain Care) and Joshua Prager (Center for Rehabilitation of Pain Syndromes and California Pain [...]