What does CSP stand for in pharmaceutical terms?

CSP stands for Compounded Sterile Preparations in pharmaceutical terms. This designation refers to medications that are specifically compounded in a sterile environment to ensure that they are free from viable microorganisms. Such preparations are crucial for medications administered via injection, intravenous (IV) routes, or any form of delivery that breaches the body’s natural barriers, as they must be safe for patient use without the risk of infection or contamination.

Compounded Sterile Preparations are subject to strict regulations and guidelines, such as those outlined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), particularly USP <797>, which sets standards for the compounding of sterile preparations to safeguard patient health. These guidelines emphasize maintaining aseptic conditions, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhering to protocols for cleaning and disinfecting compounding areas.

The other options, while they reference concepts related to pharmacy, do not accurately define CSP in this context. For instance, Compounded Specialty Products could refer to a broader category of compounded medications that may not necessarily be sterile, and Critical Sterile Procedures or Controlled Steroid Preparations do not match the established terminology in pharmacy practice. Thus, Compounded Sterile Preparations is the most precise and accurate term for CSP.