Use of a closed system drug-transfer device eliminates surface contamination with antineoplastic agents
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a closed system drug-transfer device, EquaShield , at reducing surface con- tamination with antineoplastic agents throughout an ambulatory cancer chemotherapy infusion center.
Methods: Surfaces throughout the cancer center were sampled three times.
The first samples were obtained in June
2010 without prior cleaning to measure baseline levels of contamination of the current technique (Chemo Dispensing Pin, B. Braun Medical Inc.). The second samples were obtained in August 2010 after the implementation of the CSTD and cleaning to evaluate if the contamination was removed. The third samples were obtained in August 2011. Wipe samples were taken from five positions in the pharmacy and from five positions in the infusion suite. Wipe samples were also collected from two positions in office areas. Samples were analyzed for cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil.
CSTD 