key terms
Air Exchanges
Refers to the number of times the air within a controlled environment (such as a cleanroom) is replaced or filtered per hour to maintain air quality.
Autoclave
A device used for sterilizing equipment and supplies through the use of high-pressure steam, ensuring that all microorganisms are killed.
Compounded Sterile Preparation (CSP)
Pharmaceutical products prepared in a sterile environment, such as injectable medications, which are made from ingredients not available in a commercially sterile form.
Drop Factor
The number of drops per milliliter (gtt/mL) delivered by a specific IV administration set; used to calculate flow rates.
Injection Port
A small, sterile rubber or plastic port on a vial, bag, or tubing that allows for the introduction of medication or fluid without contaminating the contents.
Anteroom
A buffer room or transitional space in pharmaceutical facilities, such as sterile compounding areas, where personnel change into cleanroom attire before entering the more controlled spaces.
Auxiliary Clamp
A tool used in intravenous (IV) setups to control the flow of fluids by clamping the tubing to stop or regulate the flow.
Critical Site
Areas of sterile products or equipment that are vulnerable to contamination, such as the tip of a syringe or the opening of an IV bag.
Filtration
A process used to remove particles or microorganisms from liquids or gases by passing them through a filter medium.
In-Line Filter
A filter inserted into the IV tubing to remove particles or microorganisms as the fluid flows through, ensuring the safety of the patient.
Asepsis
The practice of preventing contamination by harmful microorganisms; maintaining sterility in pharmaceutical preparation and medical procedures.
Bactrium
A brand name for an antibiotic, typically referring to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, used to treat bacterial infections.
Disinfectant
A chemical agent used to destroy or inactivate harmful microorganisms on surfaces to reduce the risk of contamination.
Epidemic
The widespread occurrence of an infectious disease within a community or population in a short time period.
ISO IV Administration Set
An intravenous set that is compliant with ISO standards for sterility, safety, and performance during medication administration.
Aseptic Hand Washing
A procedure to clean hands using antiseptic solutions, ensuring the removal of microorganisms to prevent contamination in sterile compounding.
Buffer Room
A controlled environment where compounded sterile preparations are made; it typically has specific air quality standards to prevent contamination.
Distillation
A process used to purify liquids by heating them to create steam and then condensing the steam back into liquid form, removing impurities.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)
A type of air filter that can remove 99.97% of particles of 0.3 microns or larger, often used in clean rooms and laminar flow hoods to maintain sterility.
IVPB (Intravenous Piggyback)
A secondary intravenous solution or medication that is added to an existing IV line, typically used for intermittent medication administration.
Aseptic Technique
A set of practices designed to prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms into sterile products, such as during the preparation of intravenous drugs.
Clean Room
A controlled environment designed to minimize the introduction, generation, and retention of airborne particles, ensuring the sterility of pharmaceutical products.
Drip Chamber:
A part of the IV administration set that allows healthcare workers to monitor the flow of fluids by observing the drops.
Horizontal Laminar Air Flow Workbench
A type of clean bench that provides a sterile environment by directing filtered air horizontally across the work surface, used for sterile compounding.
LVP (Large Volume Parenteral):
A category of sterile pharmaceutical products that are administered in large volumes, typically greater than 100 mL, and used for fluid and electrolyte replacement or drug delivery.