Final Answer:
For low/medium risk sterile preparations, a Certified Pharmacy Technician (C.P.Tech) typically requires 40 hours of training, while a Registered Pharmacist (RPH) needs 20 hours. The media fill test, a critical quality control measure, requires a minimum of 20 hours of training for both C.P.Tech and RPH.
Step-by-step explanation:
Certified Pharmacy Technicians (C.P.Tech) and Registered Pharmacists (RPH) play crucial roles in preparing sterile medications. For low/medium risk sterile preparations, C.P.Techs usually undergo 40 hours of training, covering a range of topics including aseptic techniques, cleanroom protocols, and proper gowning procedures. RPHs, with their advanced pharmaceutical knowledge, typically require 20 hours of training for the same tasks.
The media fill test, a quality control measure to ensure the aseptic technique is maintained during compounding, is a critical component of training. Both C.P.Tech and RPH need a minimum of 20 hours of training for this test. This training involves simulating the compounding process by filling sterile media instead of actual drug products. The media-filled containers are then incubated to detect any microbial contamination, ensuring the compounding environment's sterility.
These training durations are established to meet regulatory standards and ensure that pharmacy staff, both technicians and pharmacists, are well-equipped to handle sterile compounding responsibilities safely and efficiently. Adhering to these training requirements helps mitigate the risks associated with sterile compounding and ensures the production of high-quality, contamination-free medications.