In sterile compounding, which part of a syringe should always be kept sterile?

In sterile compounding, the syringe plunger must always be kept sterile to maintain the integrity of the compounded preparation. The plunger is the part of the syringe that directly interacts with the contents and is instrumental in drawing up, pushing out, or expelling the medication. Any contamination of the plunger could introduce bacteria or other pathogens into the sterile environment or preparation, potentially leading to infections or complications in patients who receive the compounded medication.

Maintaining sterility of the plunger ensures that the medication remains uncontaminated from the moment it is drawn into the syringe until it is administered. This is crucial in settings where patients are vulnerable, such as in hospitals or clinics dealing with immunocompromised individuals.

In terms of sterile technique, while the entire syringe should ideally be handled carefully to avoid contamination, the focus on keeping the plunger sterile highlights the importance of preventing contact with non-sterile surfaces or hands during the compounding process.