What is a crucial aspect of maintaining sterility in compounded preparations?

Maintaining sterility in compounded preparations is fundamentally linked to the proper selection and donning of garb. The garb worn by personnel who compound sterile products serves as a critical barrier against contaminants from the environment or the individuals themselves. This includes protecting the compounded preparations from microorganisms that may exist on skin, hair, and clothing.

When personnel enter a cleanroom or sterile compounding area, it is essential that they wear appropriate attire, such as gowns, masks, gloves, and sometimes shoe covers. This garb must be sterile or cleaned adequately to eliminate any potential sources of contamination. If the garbing process is neglected or improperly executed, it significantly increases the risk of introducing pathogens into sterile products, which can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening infections in patients receiving those medications.

While other factors like minimal waiting times and the careful selection of ingredients are important in the preparation process, they do not directly relate to maintaining sterility in the same way that appropriate garb does.