Which department should consult with the infection preventionist when there is suspected or confirmed contamination?

• A. Pharmacy department
• B. Nursing department
• C. Facilities department
• D. Laboratory department

Answer: (A)

When there is suspected or confirmed contamination, the department that should consult the infection preventionist is the Pharmacy department because medications and sterile products are directly involved. Pharmacy has control over the medication supply, access to lot numbers and expiration dates, and responsibility for recalls and quarantining contaminated lots. They can rapidly coordinate with suppliers, regulators, and clinical staff to identify exposure risks, implement containment, and communicate safe alternatives and disposal procedures. While other departments like Nursing, Facilities, and Laboratory play important roles in patient care, environmental controls, or confirming contamination, Pharmacy is the primary liaison to ensure the contaminated product is identified, tracked, and managed safely.