Enhancing Medication Safety with In-House Verification
With medication diversion and tampering on the rise, hospital pharmacies across the U.S. are turning to in-house verification methods to protect patients and improve safety. This shift away from outsourcing and passive surveillance reflects a growing need for real-time, pharmacist-led solutions.
A Growing, Underestimated Risk
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 10% of healthcare workers will misuse controlled substances at some point in their careers.¹ The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) also reports that drug diversion incidents are increasing, particularly in high-risk areas like the OR, ICU, and emergency departments.²
Even a single incident of medication tampering or diversion can have devastating consequences—including patient harm, regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and legal liability. These risks have made closed-loop medication verification and rapid point-of-care detection a new standard of care.
Why In-House Verification Matters
One of the biggest advantages of in-house verification is responsiveness. When pharmacists can verify medications on-site and in real time, they can act immediately to prevent patients from receiving incorrect or potentially harmful substances. This proactive approach helps close safety gaps that traditional surveillance tools may miss.
While diversion monitoring systems and camera surveillance have value, they often lack the immediacy or specificity required to detect problems as they happen. In contrast, in-house verification technologies offer real-time insight, helping staff intervene early and confidently.
From Refractometry to Raman Spectroscopy
Refractometry, which analyzes the refractive index of substances, is one longstanding verification method. However, it brings operational hurdles like calibration requirements, staff training, and ongoing costs tied to consumables.
Newer technologies, such as Raman spectroscopy, offer a more efficient and precise alternative. Raman systems identify medications by analyzing their unique molecular “fingerprints,” enabling rapid, accurate verification without complex prep or costly consumables. With AI-assisted interpretation, these tools can further enhance detection and streamline workflows.
The Future of Medication Safety
Medication safety is—and must remain—a top priority in hospital pharmacy practice. In-house verification empowers pharmacists with greater control, speed, and confidence. When combined with advanced tools like Raman spectroscopy, health systems can build a stronger, more resilient foundation for medication-use integrity and patient care.
References:
¹ U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “Drug Diversion in Healthcare.”
² American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). “Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Guidelines,” 2022.