Terminal filtration is primarily used for what purpose in compounding sterile products?

Terminal filtration is primarily utilized to ensure sterility in compounding sterile products. This process involves passing a solution through a filter with a defined pore size, typically 0.2 micrometers, which effectively removes bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms from the solution. By implementing terminal filtration prior to packaging and dispensing, compounding pharmacists enhance the safety and effectiveness of sterile preparations, ensuring that the end product is free from microbial contamination.

This practice is especially crucial in environments where sterility is paramount, such as in the production of injectables, where any microbial presence can lead to severe health risks for patients. While terminal filtration can also impact other aspects of a product, such as stability and shelf life, its primary purpose remains the prevention of microbial contamination, which is key to patient safety in sterile compounding.