Aseptic Technique
Aseptic technique is a set of practices and procedures used in sterile compounding to prevent microbial contamination of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs), including proper gowning, hand hygiene, and manipulation within a laminar airflow hood.
Exam Tip
Know the garbing order (shoe covers first, sterile gloves last), the 6-inch rule inside the LAFW, and ISO 5/7/8 classifications for the ExCPT.
What Is Aseptic Technique?
Aseptic technique refers to the specific methods and practices used by pharmacy personnel to maintain sterility when preparing compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) such as IV admixtures, ophthalmic solutions, and injectable medications. It is a critical skill for pharmacy technicians working in hospital or infusion pharmacy settings.
Core Components of Aseptic Technique
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand Hygiene | Thorough handwashing and use of alcohol-based sanitizer before gowning |
| Garbing/Gowning | Donning shoe covers, hair cover, face mask, sterile gown, and sterile gloves in correct order |
| Cleaning the Hood | Wiping the laminar airflow workbench (LAFW) with 70% isopropyl alcohol using proper technique |
| Manipulating Supplies | Working at least 6 inches inside the hood, never blocking airflow between HEPA filter and critical sites |
| Critical Sites | Keeping needle hubs, syringe tips, and vial tops sterile by avoiding touch contamination |
Laminar Airflow Workbench (LAFW) Rules
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| Work at least 6 inches inside the hood | Ensures HEPA-filtered air covers the work area |
| Never block airflow between the HEPA filter and critical site | Prevents contamination from downstream turbulence |
| Clean with 70% IPA in side-to-side motions | Removes particulates and microbes effectively |
| Place nothing on top of the LAFW | Prevents contamination from falling particles |
| Do not sneeze, cough, or talk over the work area | Minimizes introduction of microbes |
ISO Classifications
| ISO Class | Particles per m³ (≥0.5 µm) | Pharmacy Use |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 5 | 3,520 | Inside the LAFW (primary engineering control) |
| ISO 7 | 352,000 | Buffer room / clean room |
| ISO 8 | 3,520,000 | Ante-area (gowning room) |
Garbing Order
- Remove outer garments and jewelry
- Don shoe covers
- Don hair cover and face mask
- Perform hand hygiene
- Don sterile gown
- Apply sterile gloves (last)
Exam Alert
Aseptic technique is tested in the Dispensing Process domain. Know the garbing order, LAFW rules (6-inch rule, airflow direction), and ISO classification levels. USP 797 governs all sterile compounding standards.
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Related Terms
USP 795 and USP 797 (Compounding Standards)
USP 795 and USP 797 are United States Pharmacopeia chapters that establish minimum standards for non-sterile compounding (795) and sterile compounding (797), including personnel training, facilities, equipment, and quality assurance requirements.
Compounding Pharmacy
A compounding pharmacy prepares customized medications by mixing, combining, or altering ingredients to create preparations not commercially available, following USP 795 (non-sterile) and USP 797 (sterile) standards.
Standard Precautions in Pharmacy
Standard precautions in pharmacy are infection control practices applied to all patient care situations to prevent transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens, including hand hygiene, PPE use, sharps safety, and proper waste disposal.
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