Title: Simulate compounding a prescription or medication order.
Course: Pharmacy Technician II (14152-II) > Section: Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients

Simulation of compounding an order should include the following:

- Assemble equipment and/or supplies necessary for compounding the prescription or medication order in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) standards.
- Demonstrate the proper use of all equipment needed to compound the prescription or medication order.
- Perform the calculations required for usual dosage determinations and preparation of compounded IV admixtures.
- Compound medications (e.g., ointments, reconstituted antibiotic suspensions) for dispensing according to prescription formula or instructions.
- Prepare sterile products.
- Simulate preparation of chemotherapy.
- Record preparation and/or ingredients of medications (e.g., lot number, control number, expiration date).
- Keep all medication containers and supply packages together for the final check by the pharmacist.
- Dispose of all waste items in accordance with safety standards.

See ASHP 3.15, 3.16, 3.17.

Code of Virginia Statutes Related to Pharmacy Technicians

- Code §54.1-3410.2 — Compounding; pharmacists’ authority to compound under certain conditions; labeling and record maintenance requirements

Virginia Administrative Code Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy

- 18VAC110-20-411 — General Requirements
- 18VAC110-20-412 — Policy and Procedure Manual
- 18VAC110-20-413 — Physical and equipment requirements for pharmacies preparing sterile products
- 18VAC110-20-414 — Labeling requirements
- 18VAC110-20-415 — Quality Assurance
- 18VAC110-20-416 — Regulations for Sterile Compounding

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the logic of each step in the procedure for cleaning a laminar flow biological safety cabinet?
- What does the term calibration mean as it refers to equipment commonly used in pharmacy practice?
- Why is documentation important in compounding?
- Why are storage and stability information important when compounding a product?
- What are USP compounding standards?
- What are the definitions for TPN, TPA, IVPB, IV, and LVP? What are piggybacks?
  - Total Parenteral Nutrition
  - Tissue Plasminogen Activator
  - Intravenous piggyback
  - Large Volume Parenteral