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Bláhová L, Bláha L, Doležalová L, Kuta J, Hojdarová T. Proposals of guidance values for surface contamination by antineoplastic drugs based on long term monitoring in Czech and Slovak hospitals and pharmacies. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1235496. [PMID: 37780438 PMCID: PMC10537921 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The exposures to hazardous antineoplastic drugs (AD) represent serious risks for health care personnel but the exposure limits are not commonly established because of the no-threshold effects (genotoxic action, carcinogenicity) of many ADs. In this study, we discussed and derived practically applicable technical guidance values (TGV) suitable for management of AD risks. Methods The long-term monitoring of surface contamination by eight ADs was performed in pharmacies and hospitals in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic in 2008-2021; in total 2,223 unique samples were collected repeatedly in 48 facilities. AD contamination was studied by LC-MS/MS for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, methotrexate, irinotecan, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine and by ICP-MS for total Pt as a marker of platinum-based ADs. Results The study highlighted importance of exposure biomarkers like 5-fluorouracil and especially carcinogenic and persistent cyclophosphamide, which should be by default included in monitoring along with other ADs. Highly contaminated spots like interiors of laminar biological safety cabinets represent a specific issue, where monitoring of contamination does not bring much added value, and prevention of staff and separated cleaning procedures should be priority. Rooms and surfaces in health care facilities that should be virtually free of ADs (e.g., offices, kitchenettes, daily rooms) were contaminated with lower frequency and concentrations but any contamination in these areas should be carefully examined. Discussion and conclusions For all other working places, i.e., majority of areas in pharmacies and hospitals, where ADs are being prepared, packaged, stored, transported, or administered to patients, the study proposes a generic TGV of 100 pg/cm2. The analysis of long-term monitoring data of multiple ADs showed that the exceedance of one TGV can serve as an indicator and trigger for improvement of working practices contributing thus to minimizing of unintended exposures and creating a safe work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Bláhová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Luěek Bláha
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | | | - Jan Kuta
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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Speranza ED, Jeronimo M, Colombo M. Initial assessment of multi-compound antineoplastic drug surface contamination in Argentinean healthcare centers: Insights into occupational exposures in South America. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023:10781552231188320. [PMID: 37470481 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231188320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antineoplastic drug contamination can result in severe health effects for healthcare workers exposed to them. Despite the worldwide growing concern regarding these drugs and sustained monitoring efforts in developed countries, there is almost no data about surface contamination levels in Argentina, in particular, and South America, in general. METHODS Antineoplastic drug contamination was measured in three Argentinean public hospitals (pharmacy and daycare center areas) by surface wiping and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Eleven drugs were detected, in 51 of 58 sampled surfaces, in variable concentrations from 0.00064 to 7.3 ng cm-2, with cyclophosphamide, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel as the most prevalent drugs. This highly variable antineoplastic distribution reflects differences in facility layout, number of patients, antineoplastic drug use, etc., at each hospital. Values exceeding the 1 ng cm-2 threshold were detected in 13 surfaces of the two hospitals handling the largest amounts of antineoplastic drugs. The cyclophosphamide 75th percentile averaged 0.030 ng cm-2 comparable to the high values reported more than 10 years ago for developed countries, emphasizing the potential of reducing antineoplastic contamination by implementing routine monitoring and improved cleaning and handling procedures. CONCLUSION This study is the first survey of multi-compound surface antineoplastic contamination in Argentinean (and South American) hospitals, providing a baseline against which future studies can be compared. Widespread antineoplastic contamination has been detected on numerous surfaces, with concentrations surpassing suggested threshold exposure levels (1 ng cm-1) for some surfaces in two of the sampled hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Speranza
- Laboratorio de Química Ambiental y Biogeoquímica, Universidad Nacional de La Plata-Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - Matthew Jeronimo
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Manuel Colombo
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Quartucci C, Rooney JPK, Nowak D, Rakete S. Evaluation of long-term data on surface contamination by antineoplastic drugs in pharmacies. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:675-683. [PMID: 36877242 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01963-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The handling of antineoplastic drugs represents an occupational health risk for employees in pharmacies. To minimize exposure and to evaluate cleaning efficacy, wipe sampling was used to analyze antineoplastic drugs on surfaces. In 2009, guidance values were suggested to facilitate the interpretation of results, leading to a decrease in surface contamination. The goal of this follow-up was to evaluate the time trend of surface contamination, to identify critical antineoplastic drugs and sampling locations and to reassess guidance values. METHODS Platinum, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, gemcitabine, methotrexate, docetaxel and paclitaxel were analyzed in more than 17,000 wipe samples from 2000 to 2021. Statistical analysis was performed to describe and interpret the data. RESULTS Surface contaminations were generally relatively low. The median concentration for most antineoplastic drugs was below the limit of detection except for platinum (0.3 pg/cm2). Only platinum and 5-fluorouracil showed decreasing levels over time. Most exceedances of guidance values were observed for platinum (26.9%), cyclophosphamide (18.5%) and gemcitabine (16.6%). The most affected wipe sampling locations were isolators (24.4%), storage areas (17.6%) and laminar flow hoods (16.6%). However, areas with no direct contact to antineoplastic drugs were also frequently contaminated (8.9%). CONCLUSION Overall, the surface contaminations with antineoplastic drugs continue to decrease or were generally at a low level. Therefore, we adjusted guidance values according to the available data. The identification of critical sampling locations may help pharmacies to further improve cleaning procedure and reduce the risk of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Quartucci
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Institute for Occupational Health and Product Safety, Environmental Health, Munich, Germany.,Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - James P K Rooney
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Rakete
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Occupational Exposure Assessment to Antineoplastic Drugs in Nine Italian Hospital Centers over a 5-Year Survey Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148601. [PMID: 35886450 PMCID: PMC9321125 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, surface contamination where antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are present was investigated, as occupational exposure risk is still an open debate. Despite recommendations and safety standard procedures being in place in health care settings, quantifiable levels of ADs are being reported in the recent literature. Thus, a survey monitoring program was conducted over five years (2016–2021) in nine Italian hospitals. The repeated surveys produced 8288 data points that have been grouped according to the main hospital settings, such as pharmacy areas and patient care units. Based on the most often prepared ADs, the investigated drugs were cyclophosphamide (CP), gemcitabine (GEM), 5-fluorouracil (5–FU), and platinum compounds (Pt). Patient care units had a frequency of positive wipe samples (59%) higher than pharmacies (44%). Conversely, pharmacies had a frequency of positive pad samples higher (24%) than patient care units (10%). Moreover, by statistical analysis, pad samples had a significantly higher risk of contamination in pharmacy areas than in patient care units. In this study, the 75th and the 90th percentiles of the contamination levels were obtained. The 90th percentile was chosen to describe a suitable benchmark that compares results obtained by the present research with those previously reported in the literature. Based upon surface contamination loads, our data showed that 5–FU had the highest concentration values, but the lowest frequency of positive samples. In pharmacy areas, the 90th percentile of 5–FU data distribution was less than 0.346 ng/cm2 and less than 0.443 ng/cm2 in patient care units. AD levels are higher than those reported for health care settings in other European countries yet trends of contamination in Italy have shown to decrease over time.
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Pirot C, Benoist H, Lagadu S, Delépée R, Saint-Lorant G. Impact of low- and high-risk operators handling irinotecan on the blood contamination of health care workers in oncology day care units. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022:10781552221090965. [PMID: 35382645 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221090965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health care workers handling antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are at risk of mutagenicity and adverse reproductive effects. Despite protective equipment and AD handling guidelines, AD levels are still detected in caregivers in oncology units. This study attempted to assess blood contamination by irinotecan and its metabolites in all health care workers in oncology day hospital units according to activities specific to each employment category. METHODS The study was performed at two different hospitals: a university hospital and a comprehensive cancer centre. Forty-four participants were categorized according to their daily activity as a high-risk operator (29 nurses/ward aides and 5 cleaning staff) and a low-risk operator (7 doctors and 3 secretaries). The collected blood samples were subjected to UHPLC-MS/MS. The plasma and red blood cell (RBC) levels of irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined using a validated analytical method detection test. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-four assay results were collected (132 plasma results and 132 RBC results). The comparison between low- and high-risk operator-contaminated workers was not significant (18.33% positive results in low-risk operators vs. 25.98% positive results in high-risk operators; P = 0.22). This homogeneity showed overall contamination within the unit. Positive results were obtained in 21.43% of physicians, 11.11% of secretaries, 25.86% of nurses/ward aides and 26.67% of cleaning staff. These results could be explained by the lack or failure of personal and collective protective equipment. A lack of protection and inadequate decontamination procedures can result in surface contamination. CONCLUSIONS This study evaluated blood contamination with irinotecan and its metabolites in health care workers from day hospital care units. Among the 24.24% of contaminations observed in care units, the difference between low- and high-risk operator contamination was not significant (P = 0.22). The impact on blood contamination found is the same between low- and high-risk caregivers. This implies that the protective precautions associated with the handling of anticancer drugs must therefore be followed by all staff, including those believed to be at low risk of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pirot
- Normandie Université UNICAEN, 27003CHU de Caen Normandie, Pharmacie Centrale, 14000 Caen, France.,Normandie Université UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - H Benoist
- Normandie Université UNICAEN, 27003CHU de Caen Normandie, Pharmacie Centrale, 14000 Caen, France.,Normandie Université UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - S Lagadu
- Normandie Université UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - R Delépée
- Normandie Université UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - G Saint-Lorant
- Normandie Université UNICAEN, 27003CHU de Caen Normandie, Pharmacie Centrale, 14000 Caen, France.,Normandie Université UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
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Doležalová L, Bláhová L, Kuta J, Hojdarová T, Kozáková Š, Bláha L. Levels and risks of surface contamination by thirteen antineoplastic drugs in the Czech and Slovak hospitals and pharmacies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:26810-26819. [PMID: 34855176 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17607-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of hazardous antineoplastic drugs (ADs) used in anticancer chemotherapies is steadily increasing representing thus risks to both human health and the environment. Hospitals may serve as a contamination source, and pharmacists preparing the antineoplastic drugs (ADs) as well as nurses administering chemotherapy and caring for oncology patients are among the healthcare professionals being highly exposed. Here, we present the results of systematic monitoring (2018-2020) of surface contamination by 13 ADs in the pharmacies and hospitals in the Czech Republic (CZ; large-scale monitoring, 20 workplaces) and Slovak Republic (SK; pilot study at 4 workplaces). The study evaluated contamination by three commonly monitored ADs, i.e., 5-fluorouracil (FU), cyclophosphamide (CP), and platinum (total Pt representing cis-, carbo-, and oxaliplatin) together with ten less explored ADs, i.e., gemcitabine (GEM), ifosfamide (IF), paclitaxel (PX), irinotecan (IRI), docetaxel (DOC), methotrexate (MET), etoposide (ETOP), capecitabine (CAP), imatinib (IMAT), and doxorubicin (DOX). Floors and desktop surfaces in hospitals (chemotherapy application rooms, nurse working areas) were found to be more contaminated, namely with CP and Pt, in both countries when compared to pharmacies. Comparison between the countries showed that hospital surfaces in SK are generally more contaminated (e.g., CP median was 20 times higher in SK), while some pharmacy areas in the CZ were more contamined in comparison with SK. The newly studied ADs were detected at lower concentrations in comparison to FU, CP, and Pt, but some markers (GEM, IF, PX, and IRI) were frequently observed, and adding these compounds to routine monitoring is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Doležalová
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Žlutý kopec 7, 65653, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Palackeho 1946/1, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Bláhová
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building D29, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kuta
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building D29, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Hojdarová
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building D29, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Kozáková
- University Hospital Brno, Jihlavská 20, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Luděk Bláha
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building D29, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Bishay S, Michalowska-Suterska M, Edling A, Battle J. Evaluation of the hazardous drug surface contamination in pharmacy compounding and administration clinical setting after adoption of standardized cleaning workflow and a closed system transfer device. PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY IN HOSPITAL PHARMACY 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/pthp-2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The compounding and administration of hazardous drugs present a potential risk to healthcare worker and patient safety. This study sought to evaluate the HD surface contamination in multiple pharmacy and nursing areas that include standardized cleaning techniques and utilization of closed system transfer devices.
Methods
This study was conducted at six different areas in the pharmacy and nursing areas. Each area was assessed three times for five different HD’s surface contamination at an initial, 3 month, and 6 month follow up. Hazardous drug surface testing was performed for five most compounded HDs. A total of 90 individual samples were taken and analyzed during the study.
Results
A total of 30 samples were collected at three different timepoints for a total of 90 individual samples and analysis results. All 90 samples were negative (below the lower limit of detection; 0.01 ng/cm2), for their respective drug residue.
Conclusions
The method and design described in this evaluation may offer a way to determine if a facility’s current HD work practices and controls retain reduced HD surface contamination based upon published threshold values. Adoption and utilization of standardized work, including use of a closed system transfer device, and cleaning practices, described in this study, may present an option for facilities to retain reduced HD surface contamination, based upon previously determined threshold values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Bishay
- Inpatient Pharmacy, Stamford Hospital , Stamford , CT , USA
| | | | - Andrea Edling
- Inpatient Pharmacy, Stamford Hospital , Stamford , CT , USA
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Bosque D, Forbes S, Ward EN, Delaney J, Meyers GT. Reconciliation and Disposal of Oral Medication: Creating a Safe Process for Clinical Research Personnel. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2021; 25:587-590. [PMID: 34533524 DOI: 10.1188/21.cjon.587-590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical research nurses and non-licensed study coordinators observed variation in procedures for reconciliation and disposal of oral investigational medications across the institution. An academic medical center implemented a quality improvement project to standardize the process of reconciliation and disposal of oral investigational medications. An interprofessional collaborative workgroup was formed, which led to multiple interventions to standardize practice, including revision of three policies and procedures, redesign of specific work areas to establish drug-counting rooms, review of personal protective equipment requirements, revision of educational training, and regular cleaning of potentially contaminated workstations.
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Siwal SS, Chaudhary G, Saini AK, Kaur H, Saini V, Mokhta SK, Chand R, Chandel UK, Christie G, Thakur VK. Key ingredients and recycling strategy of personal protective equipment (PPE): Towards sustainable solution for the COVID-19 like pandemics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:106284. [PMID: 34485055 PMCID: PMC8404393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the complications of plastic trash management and disposal. The current situation of living in fear of transmission of the COVID-19 virus has further transformed our behavioural models, such as regularly using personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and single-use applications for day to day needs etc. It has been estimated that with the passage of the coronavirus epidemic every month, there is expected use of 200 billion pieces of single-use facemasks and gloves. PPE are well established now as life-saving items for medicinal specialists to stay safe through the COVID-19 pandemic. Different processes such as glycolysis, hydrogenation, aminolysis, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, and gasification are now working on finding advanced technologies to transfer waste PPE into value-added products. Here, in this article, we have discussed the recycling strategies of PPE, important components (such as medical gloves, gowns, masks & respirators and other face and eye protection) and the raw materials used in PPE kits. Further, the value addition methods to recycling the PPE kits, chemical & apparatus used in recycling and recycling components into value-added products. Finally, the biorenewable materials in PPE for textiles components have been discussed along with concluded remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarjeet Singh Siwal
- Department of Chemistry, M.M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Gauri Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, M.M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Adesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Harjot Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, M.M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Vipin Saini
- Department of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Kumarhatti, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Sudesh Kumar Mokhta
- Department of Environment, Science & Technology, Government of Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
| | - Ramesh Chand
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
| | - U K Chandel
- Department of surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
| | - Graham Christie
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QT, UK
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
- Enhanced Composites and Structures Center, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
- Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry Institute of Polymer Materials, Riga Technical University, P.Valdena 3/7, LV, 1048 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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10
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Valero García S, Centelles-Oria M, Palanques-Pastor T, Vila Clérigues N, López-Briz E, Poveda Andrés JL. Analysis of chemical contamination by hazardous drugs with BD HD Check ® system in a tertiary hospital. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:1583-1593. [PMID: 34565241 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211038518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The presence of contamination in the healthcare work environment by one of the types of hazardous drugs, cytostatics, has been found in multiple international studies. Recent studies and guidelines recommend surface monitoring for risk assessment of healthcare professionals' exposure. The availability of detection techniques is critical to successfully carry out this type of monitoring. The use of new semi-quantitative techniques allows quicker results. The main objective of this study was to determine the existence of hazardous drugs on the working surfaces in different locations of a tertiary hospital using the BD HD Check® semi-quantitative device. The presence of methotrexate, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide was analysed at 80, 89 and 82 locations in 10, 13 and 11 clinical units, respectively. A total of 251 samples were analysed. The monitoring results were positive for 13.1% of the analysed samples, with 36.3% of the methotrexate samples, 0% of the doxorubicin samples and 4.9% of the cyclophosphamide samples. Mapping the presence of HD in our hospital has allowed us to evaluate the effectiveness of controls established in the hospital to minimise the exposure of healthcare professionals to hazardous drugs. The speed in obtaining results has enabled immediate corrective actions in cases where contaminated surfaces were detected.
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11
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Labrèche F, Ouellet C, Roberge B, Caron NJ, Yennek A, Bussières JF. Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs: what about hospital sanitation personnel? Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:1877-1888. [PMID: 34410477 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01731-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs (ANPs) occurs mainly through dermal contact. Our study was set up to assess the potential exposure of hospital sanitation (HS) personnel, for whom almost no data are available, through contamination of surfaces they regularly touch. METHODS In the oncology departments of two hospitals around Montreal, surface wipe samples of 120-2000 cm2 were taken at 10 sites cleaned by the HS personnel and five other sites frequently touched by nursing and pharmacy personnel. A few hand wipe samples were collected to explore skin contamination. Wipes were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry for 10 ANPs. RESULTS Overall, 60.9% of 212 surface samples presented at least one ANP above the limits of detection (LOD). Cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine were most often detected (52% and 31% of samples respectively), followed by 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan (15% each). Highest concentrations of five ANPs were found in outpatient clinics on toilet floors (5-fluorouracil, 49 ng/cm2; irinotecan, 3.6 ng/cm2), a perfusion pump (cyclophosphamide, 19.6 ng/cm2) and on a cytotoxic waste bin cover (gemcitabine, 4.97 ng/cm2). Floors in patient rooms had highest levels of cytarabine (0.12 ng/cm2) and methotrexate (6.38 ng/cm2). Hand wipes were positive for two of 12 samples taken on HS personnel, seven of 18 samples on nurses, and two of 14 samples on pharmacy personnel. CONCLUSIONS A notable proportion of surfaces showed measurable levels of ANPs, with highest concentrations found on surfaces cleaned by HS personnel, who would benefit from appropriate preventive training. As potential sources of worker exposure, several hospital surfaces need to be regularly monitored to evaluate environmental contamination and efficacy of cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Labrèche
- Chemical, Biological, Mechanical and Physical Risk Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, 505 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H3A 3C2, Canada. .,Service de santé au travail, Direction de santé publique de 1 Estrie, CIUSSE - CHUS de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Capucine Ouellet
- Chemical, Biological, Mechanical and Physical Risk Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, 505 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H3A 3C2, Canada
| | - Brigitte Roberge
- Chemical, Biological, Mechanical and Physical Risk Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, 505 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H3A 3C2, Canada
| | - Nicolas J Caron
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ahmed Yennek
- Service de santé au travail, Direction de santé publique de 1 Estrie, CIUSSE - CHUS de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Bussières
- Département de pharmacie, Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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12
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Portilha-Cunha MF, Ramos S, Silva AMT, Norton P, Alves A, Santos MSF. An Improved LC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Thirteen Cytostatics on Workplace Surfaces. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080754. [PMID: 34451851 PMCID: PMC8398795 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytostatics are drugs used in cancer treatment, which pose serious risks to healthcare workers. Dermal absorption via surface contamination is the key exposure route; thus, rapid, reliable, and validated analytical methods for multicomponent detection are crucial to identify the exposure risk. A surface-wipe-sampling technique compatible with hospitals' safety requirements (gauze, 1 mL isopropanol) and a fast and simple extraction method (1 mL acetonitrile, 20 min ultrasonic bath, evaporation, reconstitution in 200 µL acetonitrile), coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, were developed. It allowed identification and quantification of 13 cytostatics on surfaces: cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, ifosfamide, paclitaxel, bicalutamide, capecitabine, cyproterone, flutamide, imatinib, megestrol, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone. Good linearity, sensitivity, and precision were achieved (R2 > 0.997, IDLs < 4.0 pg/cm2, average CV 16%, respectively). Accuracy for four model surfaces (melamine-coated wood, phenolic compact, steel 304, steel 316) was acceptable (80 ± 12%), except for capecitabine and doxorubicin. Global uncertainty is below 35% for concentrations above 100 pg/cm2 (except for capecitabine and doxorubicin)-a guidance value for relevant contamination. Method application in a Portuguese university hospital (28 samples) identified the presence of seven cytostatics, at concentrations below 100 pg/cm2, except for three samples. The widespread presence of cyclophosphamide evinces the necessity to review implemented procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francisca Portilha-Cunha
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.P.-C.); (A.A.)
| | - Sara Ramos
- Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Adrián M. T. Silva
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering—Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE–LCM), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Norton
- Departamento de Saúde Ocupacional, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Arminda Alves
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.P.-C.); (A.A.)
| | - Mónica S. F. Santos
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (M.F.P.-C.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225084854
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Ml H, T W, Jq Z, Yj S, Tj G, Lk Z, J L, Jf Y. Evaluation of external contamination on the vial surfaces of some hazardous drugs that commonly used in Chinese hospitals and comparison between environmental contamination generated during robotic compounding by IV: Dispensing robot vs. manual compounding in biological safety cabinet. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:1487-1498. [PMID: 34162245 PMCID: PMC9465550 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211023571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate the external contamination of
hazardous drug vials used in Chinese hospitals and to compare environmental
contamination generated by a robotic intelligent dispensing system (WEINAS)
and a manual compounding procedure using a biological safety cabinet
(BSC). Methods Cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, and gemcitabine were selected as the
representative hazardous drugs to monitor surface contamination of vials. In
the comparative analysis of environmental contamination from manual and
robotic compounding, wipe samples were taken from infusion bags, gloves, and
the different locations of the BSC and the WEINAS robotic system. In this
study, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with double mass
spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed for sample analysis. Results (1) External contamination was measured on vials of all three hazardous
drugs. The contamination detected on fluorouracil vials was the highest with
an average amount up to 904.33 ng/vial, followed by cyclophosphamide
(43.51 ng/vial), and gemcitabine (unprotected vials of 5.92 ng/vial,
protected vials of 0.66 ng/vial); (2) overall, the environmental
contamination induced by WEINAS robotic compounding was significantly
reduced compared to that by manual compounding inside the BSC. Particularly,
compared with manual compounding, the surface contamination on the infusion
bags during robotic compounding was nearly nine times lower for
cyclophosphamide (10.62 ng/cm2 vs 90.43 ng/cm2), two
times lower for fluorouracil (3.47 vs 7.52 ng/cm2), and more than
23 times lower for gemcitabine (2.61 ng/cm2 vs
62.28 ng/cm2). Conclusions The external contamination occurred extensively on some hazardous drug vials
that commonly used in Chinese hospitals. Comparison analysis for both
compounding procedures revealed that robotic compounding can remarkably
reduce environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ml
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wang T
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Jq
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Song Yj
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Gong Tj
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Zou Lk
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Liu J
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Jf
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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Eisenberg S, Klein C. Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs in Home Infusion. JOURNAL OF INFUSION NURSING 2021; 44:137-146. [PMID: 33935248 DOI: 10.1097/nan.0000000000000424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy agents used for cancer treatment are considered hazardous drugs (HDs). Guidelines and standards for handling HDs have been in place for several decades to protect oncology nurses working in hospitals and outpatient infusion areas. However, chemotherapy is frequently being administered in home settings, often by infusion nurses who do not necessarily have the requisite knowledge and training. Providing appropriate education for home infusion nurses is key to ensuring they are practicing in a manner that minimizes potential exposure to HDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Eisenberg
- Infusion Services, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington (Mr Eisenberg); Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Philadelphia, and Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Ms Klein)
- Seth Eisenberg, ASN, RN, OCN®, BMTCN®, has been practicing in the field of oncology since 1983. His experience includes 35 years in blood and marrow transplantation and 21 years in ambulatory oncology infusion. He has published numerous articles on chemotherapy and biotherapy, as well as 6 book chapters (including a chapter for the Joint Commission Resources), and was a contributing author to the Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS') Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs. He has also coedited the ONS Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Manual for Nursing Practice. Mr Eisenberg has presented nationally and internationally at nursing and pharmacy conferences. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2017 March of Dimes Research Advancement Award, the 2018 ONS Susan Baird Excellence in Clinical Writing Award, the 2020 Ruth McCorkle Lectureship Award, and, most recently, the 2021 Distinguished Award for Consistent Contribution to Nursing Literature
- Christina Klein, MSN, RN, CRNI®, OCN®, has 31 years' experience across the care continuum working in inpatient medical/surgical and critical care, outpatient infusion, home care infusion, vascular access, clinical education, and adjunct faculty nursing education. She is currently an oncology clinical educator at Cancer Treatment Center of America and adjunct faculty at Community College of Philadelphia. Her roles include educating clinical staff and onboarding new-to-practice and experienced nurses, direct patient care in the oncology outpatient infusion suite, and working with first-year nursing students in the clinical arena. Ms Klein is a member of the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation RN Examination Council and an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Infusion Nursing
| | - Christina Klein
- Infusion Services, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington (Mr Eisenberg); Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Philadelphia, and Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Ms Klein)
- Seth Eisenberg, ASN, RN, OCN®, BMTCN®, has been practicing in the field of oncology since 1983. His experience includes 35 years in blood and marrow transplantation and 21 years in ambulatory oncology infusion. He has published numerous articles on chemotherapy and biotherapy, as well as 6 book chapters (including a chapter for the Joint Commission Resources), and was a contributing author to the Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS') Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs. He has also coedited the ONS Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Manual for Nursing Practice. Mr Eisenberg has presented nationally and internationally at nursing and pharmacy conferences. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2017 March of Dimes Research Advancement Award, the 2018 ONS Susan Baird Excellence in Clinical Writing Award, the 2020 Ruth McCorkle Lectureship Award, and, most recently, the 2021 Distinguished Award for Consistent Contribution to Nursing Literature
- Christina Klein, MSN, RN, CRNI®, OCN®, has 31 years' experience across the care continuum working in inpatient medical/surgical and critical care, outpatient infusion, home care infusion, vascular access, clinical education, and adjunct faculty nursing education. She is currently an oncology clinical educator at Cancer Treatment Center of America and adjunct faculty at Community College of Philadelphia. Her roles include educating clinical staff and onboarding new-to-practice and experienced nurses, direct patient care in the oncology outpatient infusion suite, and working with first-year nursing students in the clinical arena. Ms Klein is a member of the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation RN Examination Council and an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Infusion Nursing
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Béchet V, Benoist H, Beau F, Divanon F, Lagadu S, Sichel F, Delépée R, Saint-Lorant G. Blood contamination of the pharmaceutical staff by irinotecan and its two major metabolites inside and outside a compounding unit. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:777-784. [PMID: 33878975 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211012059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers in healthcare settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination which can lead to adverse health effects. Biological monitoring is necessary to estimate the actual level of exposure of these workers. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing blood contamination levels by irinotecan and its metabolites of pharmaceutical staff operating inside and outside a compounding unit. METHODS The study took place within the pharmaceutical unit of a French comprehensive cancer centre. Blood samples were collected from the pharmacy workers operating inside and outside the compounding unit, and analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Plasma and red blood cell irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined with a validated analytical method detection test. RESULTS A total of 17/78 (21.8%) plasma and red blood cell-based assays were found to be contaminated among staff. Overall, the total number of positive assays was significantly higher for staff members working outside the compounding unit than for workers working inside it (P = 0.022), with respectively 5/42 (11.9%) and 12/36 (33.3%) positive assays. For plasma dosages, the "outside" group had a significantly higher number of positive assays (P = 0.014). For red blood cell-based assays, no significant difference was found (P = 0.309). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that pharmaceutical staff serving in health care settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination, not only inside the compounding room but also in adjacent rooms. The results would help to raise awareness and potentially establish protective measures for caregivers working in areas close to the compounding room as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hubert Benoist
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU de Caen, Caen, France.,UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - Frédéric Beau
- Departement of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Fabienne Divanon
- Departement of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Stéphanie Lagadu
- UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - F Sichel
- UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - Raphael Delépée
- UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - Guillaume Saint-Lorant
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU de Caen, Caen, France.,UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, Comprehensive Cancer Centre F. Baclesse, Normandie University, Caen, France
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16
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Chabut C, Tanguay C, Gagné S, Caron N, Bussières JF. Surface contamination with nine antineoplastic drugs in 109 canadian centers; 10 years of a monitoring program. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:343-352. [PMID: 33567975 DOI: 10.1177/1078155221992103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare workers exposure to antineoplastic drugs can lead to adverse health effects. Guidelines promote the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs, but no safe exposure limit was determined. Regular surface sampling contributes to ensuring workers safety. METHODS A cross-sectional monitoring is conducted once a year with voluntary Canadian centers, since 2010. Twelve standardized sampling sites were sampled. Samples were analyzed by high performance mass coupled liquid chromatography. The limits of detection (in ng/cm2) were: 0.001 for cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine; 0.3 for docetaxel and ifosfamide; 0.04 for 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel; 0.003 for irinotecan; 0.002 for methotrexate; 0.01 for vinorelbine. RESULTS The surfaces from 109 centers were sampled between 01/01/2020-18/06/2020. Twenty-six centers delayed their participation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1217 samples were analyzed. Surfaces were frequently contaminated with cyclophosphamide (34% positive, 75th percentile 0.00165 ng/cm2) and gemcitabine (16% and <0.001 ng/cm2). The armrest of patient treatment chairs (84% to at least one drug), the front grille inside the biological safety cabinet (BSC) (73%) and the floor in front of the BSC (55%) were frequently contaminated. Centers that prepared ≥5000 antineoplastic drugs annually had higher concentration of cyclophosphamide on their surfaces (p < 0.0001). Contamination measured on the surfaces was reduced from 2010 to 2020. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale study showed reproducible long term follow up of the contamination of standardized sites of Canadian centers and a reduction in surface contamination from 2010 to 2020. Periodic surface sampling help centers meet their continuous improvements goals to reduce exposure as much as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chabut
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Pharmacy Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Cynthia Tanguay
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Pharmacy Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sébastien Gagné
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Caron
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-François Bussières
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Pharmacy Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Chabut C, Bussières JF. Characteristics of wipe sampling methods for antineoplastic drugs in North America: comparison of six providers. PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY IN HOSPITAL PHARMACY 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/pthp-2020-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Several societies have published guidelines to limit the occupational exposure of workers. Several of these guidelines recommend periodic (once or twice a year) environmental monitoring of specific sites where antineoplastic drugs are prepared and administered. However, most of the guidelines provide no guidance concerning which antineoplastic drugs should be monitored, the preferred sampling sites, appropriate test methods or limits of detection. The aim of this study was to characterize providers that quantify antineoplastic drug measured on surfaces.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. To identify service providers offering environmental monitoring tests, we searched the PubMed database and used the Google search engine. We contacted each service provider by email between June 3rd and June 15th, 2020. We specified the objective of our study and described the information needed and the variables of interest with standardized questions. Additional questions were sent by emails or via teleconferences. No statistical analyses were performed.
Results
We identified six providers offering services to Canadian hospitals, either based in Canada or in the United States. Five of these providers were private companies and one was a public organization. Each service provider was able to measure trace contamination of 3–17 antineoplastic drugs. Five of the providers quantified drugs using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSMS), which allowed for lower LODs. The sixth provider offered quantification by immunoassay, which has higher LODs, but offers near real-time results; the surface area to be sampled with this method was also smaller than with UPLC-MSMS. The services offered varied among the service providers. The information about LODs supplied by each provider was often insufficient and the units were not standardized. A cost per drug quantified could not be obtained, because of variability in the scenarios involved (e.g. drug selection to be quantified, number of samples, nondisclosure of ancillary costs). Four of the six service providers were unable to report LOQ values.
Conclusions
Few data are available from Canadian service providers concerning the characteristics of wipe sampling methods for antineoplastics. This study identified six north-American providers. Their characteristics were very heterogeneous. Criteria to consider when choosing a provider include the validation of their analytical method, a low limit of detection, the choice of drugs to be quantified and the sites to be sampled, obtaining details about the method and understanding its limits, and price. This should be part of a structured multidisciplinary approach in each center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chabut
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine , 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | - Jean-François Bussières
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine , 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine , Montreal , QC , Canada
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