Surface contamination of hazardous drug pharmacy storage bins and pharmacy distributor shipping containers

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly A Redic ◽  
Kayleen Fang ◽  
Catherine Christen ◽  
Bruce W Chaffee
Keyword(s):  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Surrogate Markers ◽  
Drug Packaging ◽  
Chain Of Custody ◽  
Shipping Containers ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Drug Contamination ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Hazardous Drugs ◽  
Storage Bins

Purpose This study was conducted to determine whether there is contamination on exterior drug packaging using shipping totes from the distributor and carousel storage bins as surrogate markers of external packaging contamination. Methods A two-part study was conducted to measure the presence of 5-fluorouracil, ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel and paclitaxel using surrogate markers for external drug packaging. In Part I, 10 drug distributor shipping totes designated for transport of hazardous drugs provided a snapshot view of contamination from regular use and transit in and out of the pharmacy. An additional two totes designated for transport of non-hazardous drugs served as controls. In Part II, old carousel storage bins (i.e. those in use pre-study) were wiped for snapshot view of hazardous drug contamination on storage bins. New carousel storage bins were then put into use for storage of the five tested drugs and used for routine storage and inventory maintenance activities. Carousel bins were wiped at time intervals 0, 8, 16 and 52 weeks to measure surface contamination. Results Two of the 10 hazardous shipping totes were contaminated. Three of the five-old carousel bins were contaminated with cyclophosphamide. One of the old carousel bins was also contaminated with ifosfamide. There were no detectable levels of hazardous drugs on any of the new storage bins at time 0, 8 or 16 weeks. However, at the Week 52, there was a detectable level of 5-FU present in the 5-FU carousel bin. Conclusions Contamination of the surrogate markers suggests that external packaging for hazardous drugs is contaminated, either during the manufacturing process or during routine chain of custody activities. These results demonstrate that occupational exposure may occur due to contamination from shipping totes and storage bins, and that handling practices including use of personal protective equipment is warranted.

scholarly journals Surface Contamination in a Teaching Hospital: A 6 Year Perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christel Roland ◽  
Johann-François Ouellette-Frève ◽  
Caroline Plante ◽  
Jean-François Bussières
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Outpatient Care ◽  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
Drug Contamination ◽  
Child Hospital ◽  
Hazardous Drugs

AbstractObjective:The aim of this paper is to review the surface contamination of three hazardous drugs within a teaching hospital and comment the different strategies put in place over the years in the context of these multicenter studies.Background:Many cross-sectional studies have been published about surface contamination with hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.Methods:This is a descriptive retrospective and longitudinal study. The study was conducted in a 500-bed mother-child university health center in Quebec, Canada.Results:A total of 72 samples (e. g. 36 in the pharmacy and 36 in outpatient care area) were obtained between 2010 and 2016 for a total of 216 analyses (three drugs/samples tested). The proportion of positive samples was 50 % (36/72) for cyclophosphamide, 32 % (23/72) for ifosfamide and 19 % (14/72) for methotrexate. The cyclophosphamide concentrations measured varied from undetectable to 400 pg/cmConclusion:This study shows a longitudinal perspective of the surface contamination of hazardous drugs in a teaching mother-child hospital. Every hospital should review its annual scorecard of contamination with a longitudinal perspective to minimize drug contamination. It is possible to contain surface contamination with hazardous drugs with different strategies.

scholarly journals Evaluation of external contamination on the vial surfaces of some hazardous drugs that commonly used in Chinese hospitals and comparison between environmental contamination generated during robotic compounding by IV: Dispensing robot vs. manual compounding in biological safety cabinet

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110235
Author(s):  
Hao ML ◽  
Wang T ◽  
Zhu JQ ◽  
Song YJ ◽  
Gong TJ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Comparison Analysis ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Average Amount ◽  
External Contamination ◽  
Biological Safety ◽  
Double Mass ◽  
Hazardous Drugs

Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate the external contamination of hazardous drug vials used in Chinese hospitals and to compare environmental contamination generated by a robotic intelligent dispensing system (WEINAS) and a manual compounding procedure using a biological safety cabinet (BSC). Methods Cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, and gemcitabine were selected as the representative hazardous drugs to monitor surface contamination of vials. In the comparative analysis of environmental contamination from manual and robotic compounding, wipe samples were taken from infusion bags, gloves, and the different locations of the BSC and the WEINAS robotic system. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with double mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed for sample analysis. Results (1) External contamination was measured on vials of all three hazardous drugs. The contamination detected on fluorouracil vials was the highest with an average amount up to 904.33 ng/vial, followed by cyclophosphamide (43.51 ng/vial), and gemcitabine (unprotected vials of 5.92 ng/vial, protected vials of 0.66 ng/vial); (2) overall, the environmental contamination induced by WEINAS robotic compounding was significantly reduced compared to that by manual compounding inside the BSC. Particularly, compared with manual compounding, the surface contamination on the infusion bags during robotic compounding was nearly nine times lower for cyclophosphamide (10.62 ng/cm2 vs 90.43 ng/cm2), two times lower for fluorouracil (3.47 vs 7.52 ng/cm2), and more than 23 times lower for gemcitabine (2.61 ng/cm2 vs 62.28 ng/cm2). Conclusions The external contamination occurred extensively on some hazardous drug vials that commonly used in Chinese hospitals. Comparison analysis for both compounding procedures revealed that robotic compounding can remarkably reduce environmental contamination.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of Pesticide Use and Knowledge of Smallholder Potato Farmers in Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Sikhu Okonya ◽  
Jürgen Kroschel
Keyword(s):  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Runny Nose ◽  
Regulation Policy ◽  
Agroecological Zones ◽  
Economic Injury ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
And Storage

In response to increased pest and disease problems, potato farmers use pesticides, which could raise environmental and health concerns. This study sought to promote proper and safe pesticide-handling practices by providing data needed to guide pesticide regulation policy and training for extension staff and farmers. A household survey was conducted in three major potato-growing agroecological zones of Uganda. Two hundred and four potato farmers were interviewed about the type and source of pesticides they use in potato cultivation, the frequency of applications, the use of protective clothing, and cases of pesticide poisoning. The types of pesticides used in potato were fungicides (72%), insecticides (62%), and herbicides (3%). Overall, use of personal protective equipment was low, that is, gumboots (73%), gloves (7%), face masks (16%), and long sleeve shirts (42%). Forty-three percent of farmers who applied pesticides reported having experienced skin itching, 25% skin burning sensation, 43% coughing, 60% a runny nose, 27% teary eyes, and 42% dizziness. An IPM approach involving only moderately to slightly hazardous pesticides when pest and disease incidence has reached economic injury levels and by considering all safety measures during application and storage would be environmentally recommendable and result in reduced health risks.

scholarly journals Patterns and characteristics associated with surface contamination of hazardous drugs in hospital pharmacies

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 591-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie A Salch ◽  
William C Zamboni ◽  
Beth A Zamboni ◽  
Stephen F Eckel
Keyword(s):  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Hospital Pharmacies ◽  
Hazardous Drugs

scholarly journals Postharvest Handling Practices and Perception of Potato Safety among Potato Traders in Nairobi, Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Consolata Nolega Musita ◽  
Michael Wandayi Okoth ◽  
George Ooko Abong’
Keyword(s):  
Storage Period ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
Extreme Temperatures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Postharvest Handling ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
And Storage

Postharvest handling of the potato is an important factor not only in preventing postharvest losses but also in maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. Exposure of the potato to unfavorable conditions such as light, extreme temperatures, and bruising can result in accumulation of glycoalkaloids, which are toxic substances. This study was a cross-sectional survey which aimed to investigate the postharvest handling practices of potatoes and perception of potato safety among open air market traders in Nairobi County, Kenya. Information was collected from 100 potato traders using a semistructured questionnaire that assessed postharvest handling practices such as potato transportation, exposure to sunlight, and storage. Results indicated that most of the potatoes (88%) took one day to be transported to the market, with the storage period at the market ranging from 2 to 3 days for most traders (42%). Forty-seven percent (47%) of the vehicles and hand-pulled carts used to transport potatoes had open backs, while 53% had closed backs. Over half (69%) of the potatoes in the markets were directly exposed to sunlight, with 75% of the traders leaving their potatoes in the open covered with a polythene bag after the day’s activities. Greening, sprouting, or bruised potatoes were mostly sold as seed, sold to restaurants and French fries vendors, or sold to consumers at a lower price. More than half of the traders did not think that consumption of greened potatoes is harmful to health. The results clearly show that there is poor handling of the potatoes by the traders which increases the risk of consumer exposure to glycoalkaloids. There is, therefore, a need to create awareness among traders on appropriate postharvest handling of potatoes to protect consumer health and reduce economic losses as well.

It takes a village to raise awareness of and to address surface contamination of hazardous drugs

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 558-560
Author(s):  
William C Zamboni ◽  
Stephanie A Salch ◽  
Joshua Cox ◽  
Stephen Eckel
Keyword(s):  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Hazardous Drugs

scholarly journals Hubungan Karakteristik dan Tingkat Pengetahuan Petugas Imunisasi terhadap Praktik Penyimpanan dan Transportasi Vaksin Imunisasi di Tingkat Puskesmas Kota Padang Tahun 2014

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Rahmah ◽  
Putri Sri Lasmini ◽  
Rahmatini Rahmatini
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
And Storage ◽  
And Training

Abstrak Rantai dingin sangat penting dipertahankan selama distribusi dan penyimpanan vaksin untuk mencapai efektifitas vaksin. Petugas Imunisasi di layanan primer harus memiliki pengetahuan dan pemahaman yang baik mengenai transportasi dan penyimpanan vaksin. Penelitian dilaksanakan di seluruh puskesmas Kota Padang padaMaret 2014, dengan menggunakan desain cross sectional. Jumlah sampel adalah 21petugas imunisasi dengan teknik total sampling. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner dan observasi. Hasil penelitian didapatkan responden dengan pengetahuan yang baik tentang penyimpanan dan transportasi vaksin sebesar 61,9% dan praktik penyimpanan dan transportasi vaksin di Puskesmas yang baik sebesar 61,9%. Berdasarkan uji statistik, didapatkan tidak adanya hubungan umur, tingkat pendidikan, masa kerja dan pengalaman pelatihan petugas imunisasi dengan praktik penyimpanan dan transportasi vaksin di Puskesmas tetapi terdapat hubungan pengetahuan petugas dengan praktik. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disimpulkan bahwa tidak terdapatnya hubungan karakteristik petugas imunisasi dengan praktik penyimpanan dan transportasi vaksin dan terdapatnya hubungan bermakna antarapengetahuan petugas dengan praktik penyimpanan dan transportasi vaksin di Puskesmas Kota Padang.Kata kunci: karakteristik, pengetahuan, penyimpanan, transportasi vaksinAbstract Preserving the cold chain during distribution and storage is critical to achieve the effectiveness of the vaccine. Immunization workers in primary health care should have a good knowledge and understanding about the handling and storage of the vaccine. The experiment was conducted in all health centers Padang in 2014 March, using a crosssectional design. Total samples 21 immunization workers with total sampling. The data was collected using questionnaires and observation. The results showed respondents with good knowledge about vacci ne storage and handling of 61.9% and vaccine storage and handling practices in health centers of 61.9% which is good. Based on statistical tests, found no rellation between age, education, years of working and training experience of immunizationworkers with vaccine storage and handling practices in health care but a significant correlation between knowledge with practice. Based on the results of the study concluded that the absence of the relations between characteristic immunization workers with vaccine storage and handling practices and a significant correlation between knowledge workers with practical storage and handling of vaccines at the health center of Padang.Keywords: characteristics, knowledge, storage, handling of vaccines

Development and evaluation of a novel product to remove surface contamination of hazardous drugs

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Cox ◽  
Vonni Speed ◽  
Sara O’Neal ◽  
Terry Hasselwander ◽  
Candice Sherwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Sodium Hypochlorite ◽  
New Products ◽  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hazardous Drugs ◽  
Decontamination Solutions ◽  
Transfer Device

Background Even while following best practices, surface exposures of hazardous drugs (HDs) are high and numerous. Thus, it is important to develop new products to reduce the surface contamination of HDs. Hazardous Drug Clean (HDClean™) was developed to decontaminate and remove HDs from various types of surfaces and overcome the problems associated with other cleaning products. Methods HDClean was evaluated to remove mock surface exposures of HDs (docetaxel, paclitaxel, ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide, 5-FU, and cisplatin) from various types of surfaces. In two separate cancer centers, studies were performed to evaluate HDClean in reducing surface contamination of HDs in the pharmacy departments where no closed system transfer device (CSTD) was used. In a third cancer center, studies were performed comparing the effectiveness of a CSTD + Surface Safe compared with CSTD + HDClean to remove HDs. Results HDClean was able to completely remove mock exposures of a wide range of HDs from various surfaces (4 and 8 sq ft areas). Daily use of HDClean was equal to or more effective in reducing surface contamination of HDs in two pharmacies compared with a CSTD. HDClean was significantly more effective in removing HDs, especially cisplatin, compared with Surface Safe and does not have the problems associated with decontamination solutions that contain sodium hypochlorite. Conclusion These studies support HDClean as an effective decontaminating product, that HDClean is more effective than Surface Safe in removing HDs and is equal to or more effective than CSTD in controlling HD surface exposures.

CATTLE SLAUGHTERING AND POSTMORTEM HANDLING PRACTICES IN SELECTED NIGERIA CITIES

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 106-110
Author(s):  
J. K. Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Critical Assessment ◽  
Total Absence ◽  
Unit Operations ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Marketing Chain ◽  
Storage Facilities

Cattle slaughtering and postmortem handing practices in Nigerian abattoris and markets were investigated. The study revaled poor pre- and post slaughter handling of cattle and carcass. The abattoirs were inadequately were inadequately equipped and maintained. The abbattors were characterized by lack of running tap water and proper waste disposal facilities. A critical assessment of the slaughtering process in the abattoirs when compared with the standard method showed a total absence of stunning (necessary for humance slaughtering) and aging or ripening (Which enhances tenderness and juiciness of meat) unit operations. The beef marketing chain was also found to be poorly organized and managed with associated poor preservation and storage facilities. Suggestions for improvement were also discussed.      

Home Storage Temperatures and Consumer Handling of Refrigerated Foods in Sweden

2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 2570-2577 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. M. MARKLINDER ◽  
M. LINDBLAD ◽  
L. M. ERIKSSON ◽  
A. M. FINNSON ◽  
R. LINDQVIST
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Smoked Salmon ◽  
Soft Cheese ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Maximum Temperatures ◽  
Minced Meat ◽  
Storage Times ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Storage Temperatures

The lack of data on consumer refrigeration temperatures and storage times limits our ability to assess and manage risks associated with microbial hazards. This study addressed these limitations by collecting data on temperatures and storage handling practices of chilled foods. Consumers from 102 households in Uppsala, Sweden, were instructed to purchase seven food items (minced meat, fresh herring fillets, soft cheese, milk, sliced cooked ham, vacuum-packed smoked salmon, and ready-to-eat salad) and to store them using their normal practices. They were interviewed the next day, and food temperatures were measured. In general, there were no significant relations between temperature and characteristics of the respondents (e.g., sex, age, education, age of the refrigerator). Mean storage temperatures ranged from 6.2°C for minced meat to 7.4°C for ready-to-eat salad. Maximum temperatures ranged from 11.3 to 18.2°C. Data were not significantly different from a normal distribution, except for ready-to-eat salad, although distributions other than the normal fitted data better in most cases. Five percent to 20% of the food items were stored at temperatures above 10°C. Most respondents knew the recommended maximum temperature, but less than one fourth claimed to know the temperature in their own refrigerator. Practical considerations usually determined where food was stored. For products with a long shelf life, stated storage times were different for opened and unopened packages. The current situation might be improved if consumers could be persuaded to use a thermometer to keep track of refrigerator temperature.

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