Question

question 67

a pharmacy technician should identify which of the following parts of a syringe as a critical site when compounding sterile products?

needle cap
syringe barrel
syringe plunger
syringe flange

Explanation:

Define critical sites in sterile compounding

Using the Sterile Compounding knowledge point

Critical sites are areas of compounding components (such as syringes, needles, and vials) that must never be touched or obstructed because they are direct pathways to the sterile product. Touching them introduces contamination.

Evaluate the syringe components

Using the Sterile Compounding knowledge point

• Needle cap: A protective cover that is removed and discarded; it is not a critical site.
• Syringe barrel: The outer casing of the syringe. The outside of the barrel is handled by the technician and is not a critical site.
• Syringe plunger: The inner plunger shaft (specifically the ribs/piston) enters the sterile barrel during use. Touching the plunger shaft can introduce contaminants that are then dragged inside the sterile barrel, making it a critical site.
• Syringe flange: The flared edge at the end of the barrel used for finger placement; it is handled during manipulation and is not a critical site.

Answer:

• Needle cap
• Syringe barrel
• Syringe plunger (Correct answer)
• Syringe flange