What is a "CSP risk level"?

The term "CSP risk level" refers to the classification system that categorizes compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) based on their potential for microbial contamination. This classification is crucial because it helps guide the necessary precautions and practices that must be adopted during the compounding process to ensure patient safety.

CSPs can be classified into different risk levels—low, medium, and high—depending on the complexity of the compounding process and the conditions under which they are prepared. For instance, a low-risk CSP might be prepared using sterile components in a controlled environment with minimal handling, whereas a high-risk CSP could involve non-sterile ingredients or the compounding of sterile products without adhering to strict aseptic technique.

Understanding the risk level of a CSP is essential for ensuring appropriate infection control measures are implemented, thus minimizing the risk of contamination and protecting patient health. This classification ultimately informs the recommended storage and administration guidelines, as well as the frequency of testing and monitoring that should be conducted to ensure compliance with sterility standards.