Which of the following is NOT a component of competency in aseptic manipulation?

Competency in aseptic manipulation is critical in ensuring that sterile preparations are produced in a safe and effective manner. Each of the components mentioned plays a role in evaluating and maintaining aseptic technique. Media-fill testing, surface sampling of the compounding area, and gloved fingertip sampling are all methods used to assess the effectiveness of a technician's aseptic technique and the sterility of the compounding environment.

Media-fill testing involves simulating a compounding procedure to see if any microbial contamination occurs during the process, helping to ensure that an individual can perform the aseptic technique correctly. Surface sampling evaluates the cleanliness of the compounding area, identifying any potential microbial presence before compounding occurs. Gloved fingertip sampling assesses the technician's ability to maintain a sterile field by sampling their sterile gloves after compounding procedures to check for microbial contamination.

Quality control testing, while important for assessing the final product's quality, is not a direct measure of an individual’s competency in aseptic manipulation. It focuses more on the end product rather than the techniques employed during preparation. Thus, it is not a component of competency in aseptic manipulation, highlighting why this choice is correct.