A study published in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice shows the use of the PhaSeal System, a closed-system drug transfer device for the safe handling of hazardous drugs, significantly reduces surface contamination in hospital pharmacies when preparing the following antineoplastic drugs: cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and 5-fluorouracil.

The objective of the study was to assess the ability of PhaSeal to reduce surface contamination compared to standard drug preparation techniques.

Sessink et al. collected 114 surface wipe samples from 22 hospital pharmacy departments during the study period. Samples were collected following the preparation using a traditional needle and syringe technique and again following the preparation using PhaSeal. The study was conducted over an extended period of time and employed a uniform study design to allow for a fair comparison.

The statistically significant reduction in levels of contamination is striking, with median values for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and 5-FU being reduced by 95%, 90%, and 65%, respectively. This provides very clear evidence that the use of PhaSeal results in reduced operator exposure to hazardous drugs.

Background on Contamination

Over the last 20 years, several studies have been published showing environmental contamination with antineoplastic drugs in hospital pharmacies. In addition, the studies have shown that antineoplastic drugs are inadvertently absorbed by healthcare workers through environmental exposure.

Source:
Carmel Pharma