Which category describes a procedure that is not intended for continuous use and is for immediate patient needs?

The category that describes a procedure specifically designed for immediate patient needs and is not intended for continuous use is known as Immediate-use. This classification is meant for situations where a patient requires a sterile compounded preparation quickly, such as in emergency situations or when a procedure must be conducted without delay.

Immediate-use preparations are usually made in settings that demand speed, and they are typically compounded in a non-sterile environment, provided that they are administered to the patient within a short time frame after preparation. This ensures that the compounded product remains safe and effective for the urgent medical need.

In contrast, low, medium, and high-risk categories are associated with the sterility and stability of compounded products for longer-term usage, and they follow more stringent protocols to ensure the compounded preparations are prepared in a manner that minimizes microbial contamination risks over time. Hence, the immediate-use designation is distinct and focuses solely on urgent applications where timing is critical.