During sterile compounding, which part of the syringe is considered a critical site?

The syringe plunger is considered a critical site during sterile compounding because it is the part of the syringe that comes into direct contact with the medication being delivered. Any contamination at this site can introduce pathogens into the sterile solution, compromising the integrity of the compounded product. While the syringe tip is also a critical area because it is where the medication exits the syringe, the plunger's role is crucial for maintaining sterility throughout the process, as it is manipulated frequently during compounding tasks. The barrel and cap of the syringe do not have the same level of interaction with the compounded medication, making them less critical in terms of sterility. Understanding which components are classified as critical sites helps ensure proper aseptic techniques are employed to minimize the risk of contamination.