What must be included in the reference materials of a sterile compounding pharmacy?

In a sterile compounding pharmacy, it is essential to have access to current and relevant reference materials. Including at least one current reference related to sterile product preparation ensures that pharmacists and technicians are using the most up-to-date guidelines and standards for compounding sterile products. These references typically cover best practices, techniques, and safety measures that must be followed to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.

Current references may include guidelines from organizations such as the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or other authoritative bodies, which provide the necessary information on compounding sterile preparations, including aspects of aseptic technique, quality control, and environmental considerations in sterile compounding. These resources are critical for maintaining compliance with regulations and for the professional development of the pharmacy staff.

The other options do not fulfill the requirement for reference materials in a sterile compounding setting. For instance, a list of past sterile compounding procedures may be useful for review or training, but it does not provide the current information necessary for proper sterile preparation. Similarly, data from the last five years, while potentially informative, does not guarantee that the information reflects the most current practices or standards. Old editions of sterile compounding textbooks may contain outdated information, which could lead to unsafe practices if relied upon.