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Glossary

What is Media Fill?

Aseptic technique competency test using growth media to simulate compounding conditions. Personnel must pass media fill testing before compounding sterile preparations and at defined intervals thereafter.

A media fill substitutes microbial growth medium for actual drug product and has the operator perform their most complex aseptic manipulations. The filled units are incubated; any growth means the operator's technique introduced contamination, and requalification plus retraining are required.

Under USP <797> (2023), compounders must complete a media fill (with associated gloved fingertip and thumb sampling) initially and then at least every 6 months for Category 1 and 2 compounding, or every 3 months for Category 3. Records must show the scenario performed, incubation conditions and results, and the evaluator.

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CompliRx helps compounding pharmacies keep environmental monitoring, qualifications, cleaning, documents, and CAPA evidence inspection-ready.