Evaluation of an Exposure Prevention Device (Chemosafe^®) Manufactured by Considering Preparation, Administration, and Disposal Processes of Antineoplastic Agents

Abstract

Since most antineoplastic agents have mutagenicity and teratogenicity, employment of a device for preventing exposure to these agents is recommended for their use. Chemosafe^® is a new exposure prevention device manufactured by considering not only preparation but also administration and disposal processes of antineoplastic agents. In this study, we practiced processes from preparation to disposal employing the conventional method and the Chemosafe^® approach to compare the level of cyclophosphamide contamination between the two methods, using cyclophosphamide as a model agent.
In the preparation process conducted by 9 pharmacists, the use of Chemosafe^® reduced scatter of cyclophosphamide to the inside of the cabinet and their chest areas, although it increased the scatter to their gloves and the vials. In the processes from administration to disposal conducted by 4 nurses, use of Chemosafe^® reduced scatter of the agent to the bench and their chest areas, but scatter to their gloves was comparable. The exposure of gloves and vials to cyclophosphamide when using Chemosafe^® may be attributable to cyclophosphamide retained in the joint of the syringe and the vial adapter.
These results suggest that Chemosafe^® may be useful for preventing the scatter of antineoplastic agents in the course of processes in which health care workers engage when dealing with these agents. Furthermore, because the joint of the syringe and the vial adapter can be sources of exposure, care must be exercised when handling the Chemosafe^®.