Contamination Control in Compounding Areas.

In pharmaceutical compounding, effective contamination control is based on a complete understanding of the impact, sources, mechanisms, and prevention of adulterants in the compounding suite. Only then do the multiple facets of designing, constructing, maintaining, cleaning, using, and monitoring controlled environments make sense. This article presents an overview of the types of contaminants likely to compromise the potency and for their eradication. The information provided also applies to the contamination of other sites such as surgery suites, hallways, bathrooms, and the home setting. In a series of upcoming articles, the importance of compounding techniques, primary and secondary engineering controls, personal protective equipment, environmental monitoring, cleaning processes, hazardous-drug considerations, and certification of the compounding suite will be discussed in detail.