What substance is recommended for wiping critical sites in the PEC?

Using 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is recommended for wiping critical sites in the compounding environment, particularly in the primary engineering control (PEC). The concentration of 70% IPA is optimal for disinfection because it contains an effective balance of alcohol and water. The water content allows for slower evaporation, which provides the alcohol more time to penetrate and disrupt the microbial cell wall, leading to effective microbial kill.

Higher concentrations, such as 90% IPA, evaporate too quickly to allow sufficient contact time for effective disinfection, while 50% IPA may not provide enough alcohol to achieve desired antimicrobial effects. Distilled water, on the other hand, lacks the necessary antimicrobial properties to effectively disinfect surfaces and critical sites. Therefore, 70% IPA is the preferred choice for ensuring a sterile environment in compounding.