What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in compounding?

• A. To reduce cost.
• B. To ensure safety and compliance with health regulations during compounding processes.
• C. To improve flavor of compounded meds.
• D. To comply with fashion.

Answer: (B)

Personal protective equipment acts as a barrier to protect both the person doing the preparation and the compounded product. It helps prevent exposure to powders, chemicals, and hazardous drugs and reduces the risk of contamination entering the medication. Using gloves, a gown or clean lab coat, a mask, eye protection, and hair and shoe coverings creates a clean, controlled environment that supports aseptic technique and helps meet regulatory guidelines. The aim is safety and product integrity, not cost, flavor, or fashion, and proper donning and doffing are part of making PPE effective.