Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice in sterile compounding under USP <797>?

• A. Garbing
• B. Aseptic technique
• C. Prolonged open-air exposure of sterile products
• D. Quality testing

Answer: (C)

Maintaining sterility in sterile compounding means minimizing any contact with room air and contaminants. Garbing, proper hand hygiene, and aseptic technique are the standard practices because they establish and maintain a sterile barrier between the operator and the product. Quality testing is part of the assurance process to verify sterility, potency, and container integrity; this helps ensure the compounded product remains safe and effective until administration. In contrast, exposing sterile products to open air for an extended period introduces microorganisms and particulates that can contaminate the preparation, compromise sterility, and shorten acceptable beyond-use dating. Because of these risks, prolonged open-air exposure is not a recommended practice under USP <797>; compounding should be performed in a controlled environment, with exposure minimized and proper engineering controls in place.