When used inside a CDSC, the closed system drug transfer device PhaSeal further reduces surface contamination, in some instances to undetectable levels.

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Background Studies from Europe, the US and Australia have shown measurable levels of cytotoxic contamination in health facilities. Cytotoxic drug residue has been detected in the air and on surfaces in preparation areas even though work was undertaken in biological safety cabinets. Several studies have found substantial levels of surface contamination in pharmacy drug preparation and administration areas. At the time this study was conducted there were no published Australian studies investigating surface contamination when cytotoxic drug safety cabinets are in use. Aim To determine if surface contamination with cytotoxic drugs occurs when cytotoxic drug safety cabinets are used by pharmacy personnel to prepare cytotoxic chemotherapy. Method A multicentre study conducted at 10 hospital pharmacy departments in metropolitan Melbourne. All sites were tested to measure the amount of cytotoxic contamination present using cyclophosphamide as a surrogate marker for all cytotoxic drugs. Surface wipe sampling was performed at specified locations within the cytotoxic suites. Results Cyclophosphamide contamination was detected in 78% of samples taken within the cytotoxic drug safety cabinet, with 100% contamination detected in the sump. Positive results were also found in 89% of floor samples (cleanroom and anteroom) and 67% of checking benches. Conclusion Cytotoxic drug contamination was detected on a variety of surfaces in the cytotoxic drug preparation areas that used cytotoxic drug safety cabinets. The potential risk of exposure to cytotoxic drugs exists in the workplace despite adherence to the recommended safe handling guidelines.

Background Published studies suggest that cytotoxic contamination in the workplace may originate from the external surface of commercially available vials. No published studies were found describing the testing of surface contamination of cytotoxic products purchased from commercial compounders. Aim To determine if cytotoxic admixtures purchased from a commercial compounder would test positive for surface contamination with cyclophosphamide. Method Surface wipe sampling was performed to detect cyclophosphamide surface contamination on products sourced from a commercial compounder. Surface wipe sampling was performed using previously published methods. Results Surface contamination was detected on all of the samples taken. Conclusion Cytotoxic products purchased from commercial compounders may have external surface cytotoxic contamination. Safe handling procedures should be instituted for these products.