Environmental monitoring by surface sampling for cytotoxics: a review

Environmental monitoring is usually conducted by surface sampling to detect and quantify the presence of cytotoxic drugs after their reconstitution and administration. This technique reveals the origins of residual contamination and is an important component in order to protect healthcare workers from the potential risk of occupational exposure. The aim of this work is to compare various techniques and results of surface sampling for cytotoxics. For each technique, sample processing methods and their analysis were compared from literature data. Sampling is often performed by the wiping technique. After treatment, various single or multicompound technical analyses are used, in particular liquid or gas chromatography involving different detection methods: ultraviolet, mass spectrometry, plasma torch, and voltammetry. Some methods are validated to ensure reliability. Despite published guidelines and the use of isolator technology for the preparation of cytotoxic drugs, workplace contamination persists, leading to chemotherapeutic agents’ exposure of healthcare workers. Efforts need to be maintained with particular emphasis on harmonization and on determining alert level for cytotoxic contamination.