What is the required cleaning frequency for the counter and work surface in a sterile compounding facility?

In a sterile compounding facility, maintaining a clean environment is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of compounded sterile preparations. The required cleaning frequency for the counter and work surfaces is daily. This is aligned with guidelines from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), particularly USP Chapter <797>, which outlines specific practices for sterile compounding.

Daily cleaning is essential because compounding involves handling sterile materials and preparing medications in an environment where contamination can lead to serious health risks. Regular cleaning helps eliminate potential contaminants such as dust, debris, and microbial growth that may compromise the sterility of the preparations.

Additionally, cleaning the surfaces daily allows for the removal of residue from pharmaceuticals and prevents buildup that could interfere with compounding processes. By adhering to this standard, facilities can maintain a compliant and safe environment, thereby protecting patient health.