Improvement of quality of practices for the preparation of cytotoxic drugs: results of a "before-after" study

Despite the publication of guidelines for handling antineoplastic agents, measurable amounts of these drugs are still found at various hospital sites. In this context, the French cancer network ONCORA supported the present study to assess the impact of environmental contamination controls on the quality of practices during the preparation of cytotoxic drugs. The first part of the study was conducted at five voluntary hospitals. A total of 65 wipe samples of objects and surfaces were taken in the drug preparation rooms and analyzed for the presence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Measurable amounts of 5-FU were detected in 21 samples (32%). Many surfaces within Biological Safety Cabinets and isolators were found contaminated (36%). The worse results were obtained on gloves and on the outside of infusion bags. The same method was applied during the second part of the study, conducted six months after the end of the first audit. Global contamination was reduced to 17%. This study shows that appropriate handling helps decrease the number of samples contaminated, making it possible to recommend these controls for evaluating and improving the quality of practices. Since 2007, the network's laboratory has extended its activities to all French hospitals interested in this quality assurance programme.