Which of the following is a requirement for Category 3 CSPs compared to Category 2 CSPs?

Category 3 Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs) are characterized by their higher risk of contamination and require more stringent measures to ensure sterility. One of the critical requirements for Category 3 CSPs is sterility testing. This is essential because these preparations are often made from non-sterile components that must be combined in a controlled manner to prevent contamination during the compounding process.

Categorizing a CSP as Category 3 signifies that it has a greater risk level compared to Category 2 CSPs, which may not necessitate sterility testing in the same way. The need for sterility testing in Category 3 preparations helps verify that the final product meets the necessary sterility requirements before being administered to patients, ensuring their safety and reducing the risk of infections.

Additional factors like the complexity of compounding and immediate use are relevant in discussing CSP classification, but they do not hold the same importance as sterility testing for Category 3 preparations. Therefore, the requirement for sterility testing distinctly sets Category 3 CSPs apart from Category 2 CSPs.