Pharmacy Sterile Compounding

Sterile compounding refers to creating a medication in an environment free from viruses, bacteria, or any other infectious microorganism. It involves manipulation of sterile or non-sterile product intended to produce a sterile final product. The medications are typically used for medications that include dosage forms of injections, IV admixtures, ophthalmic medications, irrigating solutions, and inhalation solutions. Pharmacy technicians who have been properly trained in this advanced role may perform sterile compounding procedures in a variety of settings such as hospitals, infusion centers, compounding facilities, and many more. The procedures require using strict aseptic techniques, a strong attention to detail and precision, and knowledge of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards and other state, federal, and non-governmental regulations, standards, and guidelines. This course is designed to prepare learners to perform basic sterile compounding procedures.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and importance of pharmacy sterile compounding.
• Discuss the pharmacy team involved in sterile compounding and the role and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician on this team.
• Describe pharmacokinetics, special dosing considerations, and reference information for parenteral medications.
• Explain the importance of and proper procedures for handwashing and donning and removing PPE.
• Identify the environmental controls and waste management considerations for sterile compounding infection control.
• Perform the calculations required in compounding sterile products.
• Describe the types of parenteral medications and when these are ordered for patients as well as required supplies and equipment.
• Identify the requirements and information found in USP<797> for pharmaceutical compound-sterile preparations.
• Discuss the parts of the sterile environment including the cleaning, disinfecting, testing, and surface sampling procedures.
• Describe the equipment and supplies used in sterile compounding.
• Explain how to perform the procedures required for sterile compounding.
• Explain the packaging, labeling, and documentation of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs).
• Explain the purposes and goals for TPN administration.
• Explain the procedures for preparation of TPN including special considerations and laboratory and other additional testing requirements.
• Identify the requirements and information found in USP<800> for hazardous pharmaceuticals .
• Describe the special considerations, techniques, equipment, precautions, and clean up procedures related to hazardous intravenous drugs.
• Identify the requirements and information found in USP<825> for radiopharmaceuticals .
• Discuss the quality management, error prevention strategies, and quality assurance and control programs for sterile compounding.
• Explain how infusion therapy is billed.
• Discuss common practices for inventory control and related management techniques appropriate for sterile compounding products.
• Explain related emergency preparedness and immediate emergency response procedures and strategies used in sterile compounding departments.

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.