Compounding should include
- assembling and maintaining equipment, raw materials, and procedures needed for compounding item of medication
- following pharmacy's procedures for bulk compounding, including verifying, packaging, and labeling
- determining sterile vs. non-sterile preparation
- storing completed compounded product
- logging the information as required by the pharmacy (e.g., state/federal laws) and/or manufacturer
- following USP standards and state and federal regulations.
See PTCB 3.6, 3.7 (https://www.ptcb.org/lib24watch/files/pdf/169).
See ASHP 3.16, 3.17 (https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/professional-development/technician-program-accreditation/docs/ashp-acpe-pharmacy-technician-accreditation-standard-2018.ashx?la=en&hash=36EAA6511105A6C6BFEA4F30E193892F19E2C385).
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the procedures used to compound medications?
- Why is it important to document the preparation of all bulk, unit dose, and special doses of medications prepared for immediate use or in anticipation of future use?
- Why is it critical to use aseptic technique in compounding certain medication orders?
- What laws, regulations, and policies govern the area/equipment used when compounding sterile and non-sterile medications?
Code of Virginia Statutes Related to Pharmacy Technicians
Va. Code §54.1-3410.2 — Compounding; pharmacists’ authority to compound under certain conditions; labeling and record maintenance requirements