What aspect is essential for maintaining the integrity of sterile compounded preparations?

Minimizing time spent in a non-sterile environment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of sterile compounded preparations because exposure to non-sterile conditions increases the risk of contamination. Sterile compounding must occur in controlled environments, such as cleanrooms or laminar airflow hoods, where air quality, particle count, and microbial load are stringently regulated. The longer compounded preparations are exposed to non-sterile conditions, the greater the likelihood that contaminants can compromise the sterility and safety of the final product.

By reducing the time spent outside of sterile conditions, compounding personnel can help ensure that preparations remain free from microbial contamination and other potential hazards, ultimately upholding the quality and efficacy of the medications being prepared. This focus on maintaining a sterile environment directly supports patient safety and the overall objectives of sterile compounding as outlined in USP 797 guidelines.