Want to test your compounding knowledge before the PTCE exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 90-card compounding section of our 1000-card PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) deck, which covers CR, Compounding Record, Biological Safety Cabinet, First Air and more.
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A technician is preparing a compound containing iodine, which is known to stain equipment. Which mortar and pestle should be selected to prevent permanent staining and ensure easy cleanup?
Show answer →Glass mortars and pestles are the preferred choice for compounds containing chemicals that stain (like iodine, sulfur, or coal tar) or those with strong odors. Glass is non-porous and non-absorbent, making it easier to clean and preventing cross-contamination. Clinical Tip: Wedgewood and porcelain are porous and will easily stain. Glass is also ideal for mixing liquids and semi-soft dosage forms. PTCE focus: Use glass for liquids/stains, Wedgewood for grinding.
A pharmacy technician is creating a recipe for a new compound that will be made repeatedly. According to USP <795>, what is the specific name of this document, and how does it differ from a Compounding Record (CR)?
Show answer →Document: Master Formulation Record (MFR). Difference: The MFR is the permanent recipe (instructions, ingredients, equipment, BUD). The Compounding Record (CR) is the logbook for a specific batch/individual prescription, documenting the actual weights used, lot numbers, and the person who prepared it. PTCB Tip: MFR = Instructions (Before); CR = Execution (During/After). Both are required for all non-sterile compounds.
A technician is working in a vertical laminar flow hood (e.g., a Biological Safety Cabinet). To maintain the sterility of the first air, where should the technician avoid placing their hands or supplies?
Show answer →In a vertical flow hood, the HEPA filter is located at the top of the unit. The technician must avoid placing hands, supplies, or non-sterile objects *above* the sterile critical sites (like an open vial or needle hub). Placing objects above the critical site blocks the first air, creating turbulence and potential contamination. Contrast this with horizontal hoods, where you avoid placing objects *behind* critical sites.
Identify at least three critical sites on a syringe and needle assembly that must never be touched or obstructed from First Air.
Show answer →1. Needle hub, 2. Needle shaft, 3. Syringe tip, 4. Syringe plunger (the part that enters the barrel). PTCB Tip: The syringe barrel and the flange (the part you hold) are NOT critical sites, though they should still be handled with care. If a critical site is shadowed or touched, the item is contaminated and must be discarded. Never swab the needle with alcohol.
During a code blue, a technician prepares a sterile syringe for immediate administration. Under current USP <797> standards, what is the maximum time allowed from the start of preparation to the beginning of administration?
Show answer →The limit for Immediate Use CSPs is 4 hours. This applies if the preparation involves ≤3 sterile products and follows simple aseptic techniques. PTCB Tip: The previous 1-hour rule was updated to 4 hours in the 2023 revision (current for 2026). If administration does not begin within 4 hours, the CSP must be discarded. Labeling is required unless administered by the person who prepared it.
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Try 30 free PTCE cards firstThe full PTCE deck contains 1000 flashcards, and 90 of them focus on compounding. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our PTCE deck dedicates 90 of 1000 cards (9%) to compounding — always cross-check the official PTCB exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
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