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Microbiological Contamination

Meaning

Microbiological contamination is the undesirable introduction of viable microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or their toxins, into a sterile or controlled product, environment, or process. In the context of compounded pharmaceuticals and healthcare, this poses a serious patient safety risk, potentially leading to local or systemic infection and compromised therapeutic efficacy. Strict adherence to aseptic techniques, quality control testing, and proper storage conditions are mandatory to prevent this type of contamination. The presence of even small numbers of pathogenic organisms can initiate a clinical crisis.