FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

What does the media-fill test assess in sterile compounding?

1. Drug stability

2. Environmental conditions

3. Aseptic technique

4. Personnel training adherence

The correct answer is: Aseptic technique

The media-fill test is specifically designed to assess aseptic technique in sterile compounding. This test involves simulating the preparation of a sterile product using a microbiological growth medium instead of a drug. By assessing how well the aseptic technique is executed, the media-fill test helps to identify whether personnel can prepare sterile products safely and effectively without introducing contaminants. The significance of this test lies in its ability to reveal potential errors in technique, which could lead to contamination in actual sterile compounding situations. It evaluates various factors such as hand hygiene, gloving, environment, and manipulation of sterile materials. The test typically includes a period of incubation to monitor for microbial growth, which would indicate a failure in maintaining aseptic conditions. While the other choices relate to important aspects of compounding or pharmacy practice, they do not specifically align with the purpose of the media-fill test. Drug stability refers to the chemical and physical integrity of the drug itself rather than the technique used in its preparation. Environmental conditions are important for sterile compounding but are not the primary focus of this specific test. Adherence to personnel training is critical, but the media-fill test is a practical assessment rather than a direct measure of training compliance. Thus, the focus of the media-fill test is distinctly