True or False: CSPs can only be compounded using sterile starting components.

Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs) are required to be sterile, but this does not necessarily mean that all starting components must be sterile. The critical factor in ensuring the sterility of the final preparation is the aseptic techniques employed during compounding, along with the sterilization of any non-sterile components that may be used. For instance, components such as certain active pharmaceutical ingredients or some excipients may be non-sterile when introduced into the compounding process, but they should be subjected to appropriate sterility assurance methods during the compounding process.

Additionally, regulations and best practices allow for the use of non-sterile components to be sterilized on-site or through other methods before they are used in the CSP. This flexibility acknowledges that while the end product must be sterile, the initial starting materials can sometimes be non-sterile if they are appropriately handled and processed to ensure that the final CSP meets required sterility guidelines.

Therefore, the statement that CSPs can only be compounded using sterile starting components is false, as there are circumstances under which non-sterile components can be used if they are handled correctly.