Sterile Compounding and Infection Control

Question 1

What does the term “aseptic” mean?

Answer 1

Without organisms (i.e. sterile)

Question 2

What is it called when a period of time is typically short (i.e. days, weeks, or months) compared to expiration dates which are usually at least one year after which a compounded medication should not be used?

Answer 2

Beyond-use date (BUD)

Question 3

A beyond-use date and an expiration date are the same thing? True or False

Answer 3

False:

(manufacturers assign expiration dates to manufactured products)
(beyond use dates are assigned to compounded and repacked drug products)

Question 4

What is the technical term for a pharmacy clean room?

Answer 4

Buffer area

Question 5

What chapter of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) provides guidance on preparing compounded sterile products?

Answer 5

USP Chapter 797

Question 6

What is the purpose of USP Chapter 797?

Answer 6

Preventing patients from receiving contaminated infusions?

Question 7

What steps do pharmacy technicians use when compounding sterile products to assure the quality of the final product and prevent bacteria, fungi, and viruses contaminations in the clean room?

Answer 7

1) Follow USP chapter 797 guidelines
2) Washing hands throughly
3) Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE or “garb”)

Question 8

The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for pharmacy technician to use include?

Answer 8

• Gown
• Shoe covers
• Face mask
• Beard cover (if applicable)
• Hair cover
• Gloves

Question 9

What does it mean to put something on (e.g. to put on an article of clothing)?

Answer 9

“Don”

Question 10

What is proper order of donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Answer 10

1) Shoe covers
2) Hair cover
3) Beard cover (if applicable)
4) Face mask
* Hand washing*
5) Gown
6) Gloves

Question 11

When should personal protective equipment be removed?

Answer 11

Only after exiting the clean room

Question 12

What is most common cause of contamination?

Answer 12

Touch contamination

i.e. contact with the hand contaminates the sterile product

Question 13

What type of soap and temperature of water should a pharmacy technician use when washing hands prior to preparing a compounded sterile product (CSP)?

Answer 13

Antibacterial soap and warm water

Question 14

What is the proper procedure for hand washing prior to entering the clean room?

Answer 14

Wash hands and arms all the way up to the elbows vigorously for at least 30 seconds paying special attention to the finger nails and the spaces between the fingers

Question 15

According to USP Chapter 797, what items are promoted in the buffer area?

Answer 15

• Makeup
• Jewelry
• Watches
• Nail polish
• Artificial nails

Question 16

Does USP Chapter 797 permit eating or drinking in the buffer area?

Answer 16

No