CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Storage, Handling, and Transport Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What temperature range defines controlled cold temperature (refrigeration) for CSP storage?
- -25 to -10 degrees C
- -20 to 0 degrees C
- 2 to 8 degrees C (Correct answer)
- 15 to 25 degrees C
Correct answer: 2 to 8 degrees C
Controlled cold temperature (refrigeration) is 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F).
The 2 degree C lower limit prevents freezing damage. The 8 degree C upper limit ensures drug degradation and microbial growth are minimized. Daily temperature documentation is required.
Question 2: When transporting CSPs, what conditions must be maintained?
- No special conditions for short distances
- Appropriate temperature, light protection if required, and prevention of physical damage (Correct answer)
- CSPs should only be transported in glass
- Temperature can vary if CSP used within 1 hour
Correct answer: Appropriate temperature, light protection if required, and prevention of physical damage
During transport, CSPs must maintain their required storage temperature, light protection, and physical protection.
The transport system should be validated to demonstrate it maintains required conditions for the expected duration. Temperature monitoring devices are essential for extended transport.
Question 3: What is the maximum BUD for a Category 1 CSP stored at controlled room temperature?
- 12 hours (Correct answer)
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- Based on category conditions not a single fixed time
Correct answer: 12 hours
Category 1 CSPs stored at controlled room temperature have a maximum BUD of 12 hours.
Category 1 CSPs have 12 hours at room temperature and 24 hours refrigerated. These short timeframes compensate for potentially higher contamination risk in less stringent facilities.
Question 4: How should light-sensitive CSPs be stored and labeled?
- No special precautions needed
- In amber containers or wrapped in light-protective material, labeled Protect from Light (Correct answer)
- Only under fluorescent lighting
- In clear containers placed in a dark cabinet
Correct answer: In amber containers or wrapped in light-protective material, labeled Protect from Light
Light-sensitive CSPs must be in amber or opaque containers with Protect from Light labeling.
Common photosensitive drugs include nitroprusside, amphotericin B, furosemide, and vitamins A and K. Simply placing clear containers in a dark cabinet is inadequate since the CSP will be exposed during handling.
Question 5: What should be done with a CSP that has exceeded its beyond-use date?
- Extend BUD by 24 hours if it looks normal
- Discard it and never administer it to any patient (Correct answer)
- Test for sterility and use if it passes
- Return to pharmacy for reprocessing
Correct answer: Discard it and never administer it to any patient
A CSP past its BUD must be discarded. The BUD is an absolute limit.
Visual inspection cannot detect microbial contamination or chemical degradation. Administering an expired CSP is a serious medication safety violation. Controlled substances require witnessed destruction.
Question 6: What type of monitoring device is recommended for CSP storage refrigerators?
- A standard household thermometer checked weekly
- A calibrated continuous monitoring device with alarm capability (Correct answer)
- A mercury thermometer checked monthly
- No device needed if the refrigerator is new
Correct answer: A calibrated continuous monitoring device with alarm capability
CSP storage requires calibrated continuous temperature monitoring with alarm capability.
Recommended features include digital sensors accurate to plus or minus 0.5 degrees C, continuous recording at 5-15 minute intervals, remote alarm capability, and battery backup.
CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Storage, Handling, and Transport Questions and Answers 2
What temperature range defines controlled cold temperature (refrigeration) for CSP storage?