Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required while compounding sterile products?

When compounding sterile products, the primary focus is on maintaining aseptic conditions to prevent contamination. The requirement for sterile gloves is crucial because they serve as a barrier between the compounding technician's hands and the sterile products being prepared. Sterile gloves are specifically designed to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens or contaminants into the sterile environment.

Using sterile gloves is a standard practice in healthcare and pharmacy settings, especially in environments such as laminar flow hoods, where sterile techniques are crucial. These gloves must be donned properly to maintain the sterility of both the gloves and the materials being handled. The use of sterile gloves is a vital component of infection control strategies that aim to protect patients and healthcare workers alike.

Other types of personal protective equipment, while important in their own contexts, do not fulfill the same critical function as sterile gloves when it comes to preventing contamination during the compounding of sterile products.