DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181f72b63

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PMID: 20881620

Issn Print: 1076-2752

Publication Date: 2010/10/01


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Evaluation of Antineoplastic Drug Exposure of Health Care Workers at Three University-Based US Cancer Centers

Thomas H. Connor; D. Gayle DeBord; Jack R. Pretty; Marc S. Oliver; Tracy S. Roth; Peter S. J. Lees; Edward F. Krieg; Bonnie Rogers; Carmen P. Escalante; Christine A. Toennis; John C. Clark; Belinda C. Johnson; Melissa A. McDiarmid

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Abstract

Objective:

This study evaluated health care worker exposure to antineoplastic drugs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study examined environmental samples from pharmacy and nursing areas. A 6-week diary documented tasks involving those drugs. Urine was analyzed for two specific drugs, and blood samples were analyzed by the comet assay.

Results:

Sixty-eight exposed and 53 nonexposed workers were studied. Exposed workers recorded 10,000 drug-handling events during the 6-week period. Sixty percent of wipe samples were positive for at least one of the five drugs measured. Cyclophosphamide was most commonly detected, followed by 5-fluorouracil. Three of the 68 urine samples were positive for one drug. No genetic damage was detected in exposed workers using the comet assay.

Conclusions:

Despite following recommended safe-handling practices, workplace contamination with antineoplastic drugs in pharmacy and nursing areas continues at these locations.

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