Final answer:
Sterile compounding areas require an autoclave to operate at temperatures of 121 °C or 132 °C and pressures of 15 to 20 psi to ensure complete sterilization, with typical cycle durations of 20 minutes or more.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the sterile compounding area relates to the conditions necessary for an autoclave to effectively sterilize equipment and materials in a medical or laboratory setting.
Autoclaves must operate at standard temperatures of either 121 °C or 132 °C, often under pressure of around 15 to 20 pounds per square inch (psi). These conditions, including a temperature that's high enough to kill endospores, are essential for achieving complete sterilization.
The duration of autoclaving typically extends to 20 minutes or more, depending on the volume and type of the material. Containers with liquids or materials should be left loosely sealed to ensure that the steam makes direct contact with the contents.