Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
USP standards and aseptic technique in practice.
Module overview
Compounding lets pharmacies tailor medications when commercial products won't do. USP chapters define the rules: <795> for non-sterile, <797> for sterile, and <800> for hazardous drugs.
What you'll learn
- 01USP standards
- 02Aseptic technique
- 03Compounding equipment
- 04Safety and PPE
Lessons
USP <795> — non-sterile compounding
Covers oral suspensions, capsules, creams, ointments, suppositories, and other non-sterile preparations.
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USP <797> — sterile compounding
Sterile preparations require engineering controls, gowning, and tested aseptic technique.
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Aseptic technique fundamentals
Work entirely within the ISO 5 first-air zone — at least 6 inches inside the hood, never blocking airflow over critical sites.
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USP <800> — hazardous drugs
Covers chemo and other hazardous drugs on the NIOSH list. Goal: protect workers, patients, and the environment from drug exposure.
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Key terms
- BUD
- Beyond-use date — the date after which a compounded preparation should not be used.
- ISO 5
- Cleanliness class for the primary engineering control where sterile compounding occurs.
- First air
- HEPA-filtered air emerging from the hood, undisturbed before reaching the critical site.
- CSTD
- Closed-System Transfer Device that prevents hazardous drug aerosol release.
Study tool
Flashcards
01 / 16
Click the card to reveal the answer.
Practice questions
- Q1What is the correct garbing order for sterile compounding?
- Q2Which USP chapter governs hazardous drugs?
- Q3What is the BUD for a Category 1 CSP at room temperature?
Weekly study rhythm
- • Watch the module lecture video
- • Complete guided notes and flashcards
- • Take the end-of-lesson quiz
- • Practice pharmacy calculations daily
- • Take a mock exam every two modules