Which statement about sterile diluents is true?

The statement that sterile diluents must maintain sterility of the final product is essential in the preparation of compounded sterile preparations. Sterile diluents are used to dissolve or dilute medications for injection, and their sterility is critical because any contamination could compromise the safety and efficacy of the final product. Maintaining sterility ensures that the compounded sterile preparation remains free from harmful microorganisms, thereby protecting patients from potential infections or adverse reactions.

In sterile compounding, it is vital to choose diluents that are not only sterile but also compatible with the active ingredients and other components of the preparation. This is why any diluent must adhere to strict sterility standards and protocols, which is in line with guidelines such as those established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for sterile compounding.