What practice prevents contamination during manipulations of compounded sterile products?

Aseptic technique is a critical practice in the preparation of compounded sterile products as it directly addresses the need to prevent contamination during manipulations. This technique involves a series of practices designed to maintain sterility in the environment and the products being compounded. Key components of aseptic technique include proper hand hygiene, using sterile gloves and other personal protective equipment, working within a controlled environment, and utilizing appropriate disinfection methods for equipment and surfaces.

By following aseptic technique, pharmacy personnel minimize the risk of introducing microorganisms into sterile products, thus ensuring their safety and effectiveness for patients. This practice is essential in environments where sterile compounding occurs, such as pharmacy cleanrooms or laminar flow hoods, where maintaining a sterile environment is vital.

While cleanroom standards, periodic performance checks, and temperature control are also important aspects of compounding sterile products, they serve different functions. Cleanroom standards specify the design, materials, and protocols for the environment, while periodic performance checks ensure that equipment and personnel adhere to the necessary safety measures. Temperature control is crucial for preserving the integrity of compounded products but does not directly address contamination prevention during manipulation. Hence, aseptic technique stands out as the primary practice that prevents contamination during these procedures.