What technique is used to prepare sterile products to ensure their sterility?

Aseptic technique is the foundational practice used in the preparation of sterile products to maintain sterility throughout the compounding process. The primary focus of the aseptic technique is to prevent contamination from pathogens and other unwanted microorganisms, ensuring that the final product remains sterile.

This technique involves several critical steps, including:

1. Creating a sterile environment: This often involves working within a laminar flow hood that provides a sterile air environment, minimizing exposure to contaminants.

2. Proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE): Compounding personnel must wash their hands thoroughly and wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, to limit the introduction of bacteria or viruses during the compounding process.

3. Use of sterile materials: All components used in the preparation—such as vials, syringes, and excipients—must be sterile to maintain the integrity of the compounded product.

4. Minimizing the exposure time: Keeping the components and products exposed to the environment for as short a duration as possible helps prevent contamination.

While sterilization is a process aimed specifically at eliminating all forms of microbial life, it's only one part of the aseptic technique. Filtration may be involved in the process