Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of PPE in sterile compounding?

In sterile compounding, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring patient safety. The correct statement emphasizes that PPE helps prevent contamination during the compounding process. Contamination can occur from a variety of sources, including personnel, and PPE serves as a barrier against microbial contamination that could compromise the sterility of compounded preparations.

Using appropriate PPE—such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection—protects both the compounded products and the compounding personnel themselves. This practice is essential in a sterile compounding environment where even minimal contamination can lead to severe consequences for patients receiving these products.

The importance of PPE is further underscored by regulatory standards and guidelines such as those from USP, which outline the requirements for sterile compounding to protect patient health and ensure the integrity of compounded medications. Therefore, the statement that PPE helps prevent contamination accurately reflects the critical role it plays in sterile compounding practices.