CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Infection Control and Microbiology Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which organism is most commonly associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients receiving compounded parenteral nutrition?

Answer: Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the leading fungal pathogen in catheter-related bloodstream infections, especially in immunocompromised patients on parenteral nutrition.

When performing environmental monitoring in a cleanroom, what is the primary purpose of viable air sampling using an active air sampler?

Answer: To quantify airborne microbial contamination in colony-forming units per cubic meter

Active air sampling with devices like the RCS or MAS-100 quantifies airborne viable microorganisms expressed as CFU/m³ to confirm ISO class compliance.

A compounding technician notices a turbid appearance in a batch of compounded IV bags that were clear at preparation. Which action is the MOST appropriate immediate response?

Answer: Quarantine the batch and report to the supervising pharmacist for investigation

Turbidity is a physical indicator of microbial contamination; the batch must be quarantined and the pharmacist notified before any further action is taken.

Which disinfectant class is considered sporicidal and is required for decontaminating surfaces after a spill of a spore-forming organism like Clostridium difficile?

Answer: Chlorine-based agents (bleach)

Chlorine-based disinfectants (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) are among the few agents with proven sporicidal activity against C. difficile spores.

Under USP , what is the maximum beyond-use date (BUD) for a Category 2 compounded sterile preparation (CSP) stored at room temperature if sterility testing was not performed?

Answer: 4 days

USP (2023 revision) assigns a maximum BUD of 4 days at controlled room temperature for Category 2 CSPs without completed sterility testing.

Which type of microorganism produces endotoxins that can cause fever and septic shock even after sterilization kills the organism?

Answer: Gram-negative bacteria

Gram-negative bacteria contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their outer membrane; LPS is a heat-stable endotoxin that remains pyrogenic even after the bacteria are killed.

In a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW), the first air sweep concept requires that all critical sites be exposed to what type of air to minimize contamination risk?

Answer: Unidirectional HEPA-filtered ISO 5 air

The first air sweep principle requires critical sites to receive direct, uninterrupted HEPA-filtered ISO 5 air before any obstructions, preventing room-air contamination.