Hygiena 2018, 63(3):105-106 | DOI: 10.21101/hygiena.a1626
Is it possible to reduce occupational exposure of nurses to cytotoxic drugs?
- Masarykův onkologický ústav, Brno, Česká republika
Long-term routine occupational exposure of health care workers handling cytotoxic drugs (CDs) poses a risk due to the known hazardous (genotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic) properties of these agents. The safety rules applicable to the preparation of CDs in the Czech Republic are enshrined in legislation. Aseptic preparation of CDs should be conducted in a pharmacy, in the controlled zone, in a negative pressure vertical laminar flow hood, and while wearing chemoprotective gloves. However, no safety rules for healthcare workers handling CDs outside the pharmacy, e.g. nurses or orderlies, are enshrined in legislation. In most healthcare settings, the nursing staff involved in the administration of CDs only have at their disposal protective gloves.
Keywords: cytotoxic therapeutics, occupational exposure, health care personnel
Published: September 30, 2018 Show citation
