What does PEC stand for in sterile compounding?

PEC stands for Primary Engineering Control in sterile compounding. This term refers to the equipment and facilities that help maintain a sterile environment for the preparation of compounded sterile products.

Primary Engineering Controls include devices like laminar airflow hoods or barrier isolators that are designed to provide a sterile environment by controlling air quality, minimizing contamination, and ensuring that the compounding process safeguards the sterility of the drugs being prepared. These controls are critical in reducing the risk of contamination, which is paramount in any sterile compounding setting, such as pharmacies and hospitals.

Understanding Primary Engineering Control is essential because it underscores how the physical setup and design of compounding spaces play a vital role in patient safety and the efficacy of sterile products.