How can contamination of a CSP be minimized during compounding?

Minimizing contamination of a compounded sterile preparation (CSP) during compounding is critically important to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the medication. Ensuring aseptic technique and proper garbing is the most effective approach to achieve this.

Aseptic technique refers to the practices designed to prevent contamination by pathogens and includes steps such as working in a clean environment, using sterilized equipment, and maintaining a sterile field. This technique requires strict adherence to protocols that limit exposure to microorganisms, including careful handling of sterile supplies and avoiding unnecessary movements that could disturb the sterile environment.

Proper garbing involves wearing appropriate garments such as sterile gloves, gowns, masks, and hair covers, which serve to shield the CSP from potential contaminants that may arise from the compounding personnel. When these garments are worn correctly and are of the appropriate type, they help to provide a barrier between the person's skin, hair, and respiratory secretions, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination.

In contrast, choices like limiting the use of sterile gloves and gowns would likely increase the risk of contamination, as would using non-sterile equipment or compounding in a crowded area. These practices would not align with the fundamental principles of sterility and would compromise the integrity of the compounded preparation.