To create a cleanroom controlled environment using a mobile air decontamination unit for the preparation of antineoplastic drugs.

Objectives: To use a mobile air decontamination unit (MADU) for a microbial destruction and decreased particle burden making a cleanroom controlled environment in a Centralized Chemotherapy Preparation Unit (CCPU). Good manufacturing practices (GMP) in France specify that the ambient air in the vicinity of a class III biosafety cabinet (isolator) complies with air cleanliness ISO 8 level in CCPU. This guideline has a significant impact because implementing a dedicated air handling unit (AHU) brings some engineering constraints and generates substantial additional costs.

Safety in the preparation of cytotoxic drugs: How to integrate gravimetric control in the quality assurance policy?

Purpose: We present the way to integrate gravimetric control (GC) in a centralized preparation of cytotoxic drugs unit. Two different modalities are described. In the first strategy, the balance is located inside the isolator, whereas in the second, it is located outside in order to remove many technical and ergonomic constraints.

Effects of various osmolarity on human red blood cells in terms of potassium efflux and hemolysis induced by free radicals.

Objectives: To study in an in vitro model of erythrocytes exposed to free radicals the effects of hyperosmolarity and hypoosmolarity on the induced potassium efflux and hemolysis.

Design Setting: Erythrocytes were separated from plasma and suspended in 3 different phosphate buffer solutions (HYPO, ISO, and HYPER) containing, respectively, 100, 150 and 200 mmol/l of Na. Free radicals were generated from 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH).

Determination of acid base balance and oil water partition coefficient of an atopy patch test of levofloxacin.

Levofloxacin, a quinolone used in the treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection is involved in skin reactions. Patch tests are helpful for the aetiological diagnosis. Unfortunately, they are known for their lack of sensibility.

Comparison of three methods for oxidative stress-induced potassium efflux measurement.

The aim of the study was to compare the potassium efflux measurements (flame photometry (FP), specific electrode (SE) and atomic absorption photometry (AAP)) using a model of erythrocytes exposed to an oxidative stress in various conditions of osmolarity. Human erythrocytes were incubated in 3 different values of osmolarity and in the presence of 50mM AAPH, potassium efflux was measured by FP, SE and AAP at t=0 and every 30min for 2h. These methods were similar for the measurement of global potassium efflux.