Comparison of surface contamination with cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil using a closed-system drug transfer device versus standard preparation techniques.

Purpose: A comparison was conducted of the levels of surface contamination with two commonly used antineoplastic drugs, cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil, on countertops, floors, and hood surfaces in three oncology pharmacies following preparation with standard hazardous drug (HD) preparation techniques, or a closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD) in conjunction with standard HD preparation techniques, or a CSTD in conjunction with standard HD preparation techniques but prepared on a countertop outside the biological safety cabinet (BSC).

Methods: Wipe samples of the various surfaces in each pharmacy were obtained biweekly for 12 weeks (six samples) to establish a baseline. Following implementation of the CSTD, an additional six biweekly samples were collected.

Surface contamination of chemotherapy drug vials and evaluation of new vial-cleaning techniques: results of three studies.

Purpose: The results of three studies that describe the external contamination of chemotherapy drug vials are presented. New techniques for the improved decontamination of vials containing cisplatin are also described.

Summary: Study 1 evaluated the external contamination of drug vials with cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide in a pharmacy setting.