Evaluation of drug contamination levels in an admixture preparation area.

The risks of drug contamination after transfer manipulations between vials used in admixture preparations were estimated. The transfers were performed inside a safety cabinet using sodium pertechnetate 99Tcm in saline as a 'model' admixture. An air contamination monitor was attached to the safety cabinet above the transfer manipulation area. The monitor filter and all utensils used were collected for measurement of contamination levels in each sample trial. Three types of transfer were performed; one 'open' procedure and two 'closed' procedures, one including an air vent needle in the receiving vial and the other without air vent needle in the receiving vial. The closed procedure including an air vent needle appears to combine good personnel- and product protection.