Compounding Flashcards
7 cards from real PTCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Compounding flashcards as text
A Category 1 CSP (compounded sterile preparation) is one that is:
Answer: Prepared without a sterility test and assigned a short BUD
Category 1 CSPs under USP are assigned a BUD of ≤12 hours at room temperature or ≤24 hours refrigerated and do not require sterility testing.
Which type of balance is required by USP for weighing ingredients less than 120 mg in a compounding pharmacy?
Answer: Class III prescription balance or analytical balance
A Class III torsion or analytical balance with a sensitivity requirement of 6 mg is needed for weighing small quantities accurately.
Cocoa butter (theobroma oil) is commonly used in suppository compounding primarily because it:
Answer: Melts at body temperature (34–36°C) and solidifies at room temperature
Cocoa butter's melting point near body temperature makes it ideal for suppositories that melt after insertion to release the drug.
Which practice is required before compounding a batch of sterile preparations to prevent cross-contamination?
Answer: Decontaminating and disinfecting the ISO Class 5 PEC with 70% IPA
Surfaces in the PEC must be cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol before compounding to eliminate particulate and microbial contamination.
What is the role of a wetting agent in suspensions?
Answer: To reduce the contact angle between the powder and liquid, promoting uniform dispersion
Wetting agents like polysorbate 80 lower surface tension, helping hydrophobic powders become uniformly dispersed in the liquid vehicle.
A prescription calls for 'PCAB-accredited' compounding. What does PCAB accreditation indicate?
Answer: The pharmacy has met voluntary quality and safety standards for compounding set by an accreditation body
PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board) is a voluntary program demonstrating a pharmacy's commitment to quality compounding standards.
Which compounding scenario would require compliance with USP hazardous drug handling guidelines?
Answer: Preparing a methotrexate oral solution for a pediatric patient
Methotrexate is a NIOSH-listed hazardous drug; all handling and compounding must comply with USP protective requirements.