Evaluating aseptic technique of pharmacy personnel

A procedure for validating the effectiveness of a training program in aseptic technique for admixture personnel and for monitoring the aseptic technique of those trained is described. Double-strength soybean casein digest broth was prepared as the culture media. Technicians were instructed to prepare 50 sample i.v. admixtures after the structured one-week orientation and training period. The sample admixtures were cultured for sterility by a total-culturing method. An ongoing random-sampling plan was implemented to monitor the technique of the trained technicians. Six technicians completed the orientation program, and five compounded the validation admixtures aseptically. The ongoing monitoring revealed that the technicians who were validated have continued to perform at acceptable levels. This program validated that the personnel had adequate training in aseptic technique and the necessary skills for performing the aseptic manipulations required in i.v. admixture compounding.