| Document ID (ISN) | 103711 |
| CIS number |
04-628 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
1250-3274 - Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail |
| Year |
2004 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Gilles L., Favier B., Lombard I., Ardiet C., Boufercha R., Catros F., Eppling I., Fourmaintraux D., Gondran C., Merle J.L., Pelletier A., Roussel A., Latour J.F. |
| Title |
Cytotoxic drugs: Evaluation of the impact of purging intravenous lines on the exposure of nursing staff |
| Original title |
Médicaments cytotoxiques: évaluation de l'impact de la purge des lignes de perfusion sur l'exposition du personnel infirmier [in French] |
| Bibliographic information |
Mar. 2004, Vol.65, No.1, p.9-17. Illus. 23 ref. |
| Abstract |
Occupational exposure to cytotoxic agents is recognized as a potential hazard to health care workers. However, the level of contamination of nurses during the administration of drugs remains unknown. The objective of this study was to assess exposure of nurses to 5-fluoro-uracil (5FU) after connecting intravenous infusion bags containing this drug to the patients. Eight regional cancer treatment centres participated in the study and were distributed into two groups according to the way of purging intravenous lines: with the solvent (group A) or with the antineoplastic agent (group B). Samples were taken on nurses' gloves during drug administration. 127 samples were collected and analysed. Gloves appeared to be more often contaminated with 5FU in group B than in group A (65.6% and 34.9% respectively). Similarly, the mean amounts detected were lower in group A (1350ng) than in group B (10,800ng). These results suggest that the use of infusion sets purged with the solvent makes it possible to reduce nurses' exposure. Nevertheless, as the levels of 5FU still remain important, this study confirms the obligation to wear protective gloves during administration and to implement a quality assurance system that includes training and regular evaluation of the staff. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
antineoplastic drugs; hospitals; chemotherapy; cytotoxic effects; health hazards; health care personnel |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
protective gloves; France; sampling and analysis; exposure evaluation; safe working methods; limitation of exposure |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | France |
| Subject(s) |
Toxic and dangerous substances
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Health care services
|
