Working
securely with
cytostatics
As the number of cancer patients rises, so
does the use of chemotherapy treatment.
While effective in treating disease, these drugs
are also potentially hazardous for the oncology
nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare
professionals who handle them.
Yet worldwide research indicates that
insufficient care is being taken with cytostatic
agents. Studies report widespread, low-level
contamination of areas where cytostatic drugs
are used. Traces of cytostatic drugs have been
found on workbenches, floors, vials and exterior
surfaces of safety cabinets and isolators –
even on the floor outside preparation rooms.
Once contamination with cytostatic drugs has
occurred it is extremely difficult to eradicate.
To better protect healthcare workers,
heightened awareness of this serious problem
must be combined with both improved
cytostatic handling procedures and the use of
appropriate hand protection. Here is a stepby-
step guide to the safe preparation and
administration of cytostatic mixtures, as well as
recommendations for suitable hand protection.
Don special protective clothing including
non-sterile examination gloves. [Photo 1]
Unpack all material. During the unpacking or handling
of the vials, the healthcare worker’s hand should be
protected as the outside surface of the vials might
be contaminated with cytostatic drugs. [Photo 2]
Disinfect the work area. [Photo 3, 4]
Assemble and disinfect all material necessary
to prepare the cytostatic drugs. [Photo 5, 6, 7]
For the preliminary activities we recommend the
Ansell Nitra-Touch™ glove.
The excellent chemical resistance offered
by Nitra-Touch™ makes it ideal for
decontaminating and cleaning labs and
pharmacies, as well as hospital instruments
and equipment.
In addition, Nitra-Touch™ offers four times
the puncture resistance of comparable naturallatex
gloves and three times the resistance of similar
neoprene gloves. The glove is tested to an AQL of 1.5
for pinholes. Because Nitra-Touch™ is made from nitrile
it contains no natural rubber latex proteins, which
means no risk of Type I allergies for the wearer.
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