This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Schulz, H. Articles by Chambers, C. R Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Schulz, H. Articles by Chambers, C. R Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Antineoplastic agent workplace contamination study: the Alberta Cancer Board Pharmacy perspective

Cross Cancer Institute Site, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Susan Bigelow

Tom Baker Cancer Center Site, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Roxanne Dobish, BSc (Pharm)

Cross Cancer Institute Site, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Carole R Chambers, BSc (Pharm), MBA

Alberta Cancer Board Pharmacy Department, Calgary/Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Study objective. To investigate the feasibility of routine monitoring for workplace antineoplastic agent contamination in the Alberta Cancer Board (ACB) pharmacy practice environment.

Setting. The ACB in the Canadian province of Alberta, which includes two public tertiary centres and 17 associated community satellite sites based around the province in existing hospitals. Methods. Obtained organizational support and input prior to launching the feasibility study (Phase I). Samples were analysed for a common cytotoxic agent - cyclophosphamide. Surfaces chosen were within the biological safety cabinets, workplace counter tops and on external surfaces of vials provided by manufacturers. Blank samples and known contaminated controls were included in Phase I to reconfirm the methodology in a previously published study.¹ Feasibility aspects of logistics and financial expenses were examined. A second phase (Phase II) was completed to test other areas of the pharmacy and vials, with blank samples included to reconfirm previously mentioned methodology.

Results. The results determined that the samples tested were below acceptable detection limits with the exception of the known contaminated sample (Phase I) and exterior surfaces of vials (Phase II).

Conclusion. This project has increased staff awareness of the sources for antineoplastic agent workplace contamination. Some practice changes were instituted during the project itself. Logistics and expenses were realistic for routine monitoring to be adopted.

Key Words: antineoplastic agent • cyclophosphamide • cytotoxic agent • healthcare worker • routine monitoring • workplace contamination

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 11, No. 3, 101-109 (2005)
DOI: 10.1191/1078155205jp152oa


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Section 10 Chemical contamination monitoring Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, September 1, 2007; 13(3_suppl): 44 - 48. [PDF]

				J.-F. Bussieres, Y. Theoret, S. Prot-Labarthe, and D. Larocque Program to monitor surface contamination by methotrexate in a hematology-oncology satellite pharmacy Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm., March 1, 2007; 64(5): 531 - 535. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]