The UNC Pharmacy Department has been recognized as one of several forward-thinking cancer program members by the Association of Community Cancer Centers.

The department has implemented a drug vial optimization process which has led to significant financial, safety and clinical outcomes.

Associate Director of Pharmacy at the UNC Medical Center Lindsey Amerine explains the process as taking drug waste from single-dose vials and, by using a closed-system transfer device, extending it’s sterility up to seven days.

“We were able to, through a series of different studies that we’ve performed at UNC, make sure that we utilize that drug waste, make sure we’re able to utilize it for more patients, and through that we’ve had significant cost savings,” says Amerine.

Before this process of drug vial optimization, pharmacy guidelines stated that the old vials must be used within six hours.

The process not only allows for more patients to be treated, it has also already saved the university a lot of money.

“On the cost-saving side, we’ve actually seen a savings of over $43 million each year by using this,” says Amerine.

Now the university is reinvesting those savings into multidisciplinary services and charity care programs.

Amerine says the UNC Medical Center’s goal is always to provide the best and safest patient care while still attempting to bring innovation to the field.

“I think for us, it’s getting in that mindset of always asking what the next question is and really trying to change the status quo,” says Amerine.

The North Carolina Cancer Hospital was the first program in the nation to adopt a closed-system drug waste transfer device.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Health Aims to Expand Medical Offices at Eastowne Over 25 Years
UNC Health is interested in expanding their buildings on 100-800 Eastowne Drive.  The group is proposing the creation of 8 to 10 medical office buildings on the site over the period of several years.  The primary use for the development is outpatient health care and associated functions, as well as space for research and site-specific retail.
UNC Baseball Beats West Virginia Again, Will Play for National Championship
The Diamond Heels built a massive lead and held off a desperate West Virginia rally in the late innings to beat the Mountaineers 12-7.
The Morning News: Digital Learning at CHCCS, New Chatham Commissioner, College World Series
In today's news: CHCCS approves a new digital learning plan, and Chatham Commissioners appoint Sheriff Mike Roberson to their board.
UNC Baseball in the 2026 College World Series: How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Start Times
The Diamond Heels will continue to compete at the Men's College World Series in Omaha this week against West Virginia.
Past Rhymes With Present Times: Trumpism, Universities, and the Death of Socrates
Contemporary Trumpism attacks diverse social, political, and cultural communities throughout the United States, but the attacks share a common desire to discredit and weaken public institutions.
Bubba Cunningham Exclusive Part 2: Working on Campus Projects While Facing New Era of College Sports
Part two of the interview covers Bubba Cunningham's concerns with the current state of college sports, UNC's position within that landscape, and his top priorities in the new role of Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Athletic Director.
Bubba Cunningham Exclusive Part 1: Reminiscing on 15 Years as UNC Athletics Director
Before the end of his time as the UNC athletic director, Bubba Cunningham joined 97.9 The Hill's Aaron Keck for a wide-ranging interview.
The Omaha Diaries, Day 5: Easy Like Sunday Morning
Chapelboro's Michael Koh tells us his thoughts as he enjoys a lazy Sunday morning at the College World Series.
UNC Baseball Beats West Virginia, Advances to National Semifinals for First Time Since 2013
The Diamond Heels capitalized on a pair of West Virginia errors to score three runs in the seventh inning on their way to a 5-2 win.
The Omaha Diaries, Day 4: Scenes from Rocco's
Just a few steps away from Charles Schwab Field, the centerpiece of the Men's College World Series in Omaha, sits Rocco's Pizza and Cantina.
›