What is the term used for putting on appropriate outerwear to reduce contamination risk during compounding?

The term used for putting on appropriate outerwear to reduce contamination risk during compounding is garbing. In the context of sterile compounding, garbing refers to the practice of donning specific clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to maintain a sterile environment and protect both the compounded product and the healthcare worker from contamination. This process typically includes wearing a gown, hair cover, face mask, shoe covers, and gloves, all of which help to minimize the introduction of microorganisms and particles into the sterile compounding area.

Garb is essential in ensuring compliance with established guidelines and standards, such as those outlined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which emphasize the importance of maintaining aseptic conditions during the preparation of sterile products. By properly garbing, compounding personnel significantly decrease the potential for contamination, thereby enhancing patient safety and the efficacy of the compounded medications.