Patient Safety in the Spotlight at Annual Home Infusion Meeting

Bethlehem, PA (Feb. 9, 2005) -- In the spirit of its guiding mission, “Sharing Expertise™,” B. Braun Medical Inc., a leading healthcare products and services company, continues to educate medical professionals through its instructional programs and seminars at industry conferences. The company will present training on USP Chapter <797> compliance at the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) annual conference in New Orleans, February 10-13, 2005.

The USP Standards, introduced in January 2004, are the latest in the roster of policy changes for JCAHO-accredited health care facilities. To keep the integrity of compounded medication unadulterated, the new standards provide stringent environmental and procedural standards to maintain sterile medication and infection control.

Compliance with USP Chapter <797> is a challenging requirement, but one that will be strictly enforced. That is one reason why B. Braun is helping Hospitals, Outpatient Surgery Centers, and Home Infusion Pharmacies meet the growing challenges of compounding and dispensing pharmaceutical solutions through its subsidiary, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc. (CAPS®).

“CAPS is fully compliant with the recently mandated USP Chapter <797> requirements. We believe that sharing our expertise in sterile compounding and the execution of USP Chapter <797> is a responsibility we share with the health care community,” said Eric Steen, President of CAPS.

Pioneered in 1991, CAPS is a nationwide network of state-licensed, FDA-registered pharmacies that deliver high quality admixture services and solutions to a dynamic and challenging pharmacy environment. CAPS services allow hospital, outpatient surgery center pharmacies and home infusion pharmacies to expand services and help enhance patient care without increasing staff.

CAPS offers USP 797 compliant facilities, cleanrooms, and ISO Class 5 (Class 100) compounding hoods, as well as:
· Extensive formalized written policies, procedures, and training
· Quality Assurance program
· Environmental control

Expert Resource Available
CAPS executives are available to discuss the implications of USP 797, the CAPS program or our role in Sharing Expertise among pharmacists and hospitals. To arrange for an interview, please contact Arielle Bernstein, Makovsky + Company, 212-508-9643
abernstein@makovsky.com

About B. Braun
Since its founding in 1839, B. Braun has built an unparalleled store of knowledge and expertise in delivering innovative healthcare products, medical devices and programs that enhance both patient and health-professional safety. Its 30,000 employees worldwide are proud of their commitment to translating customer needs into products with unmatched quality, superior technology, cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Through its Sharing Expertise® initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services. For more information about B. Braun or its safety healthcare products, call 800-854-6851, email us at inquiry@bbraun.com or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.