Open AccessUse of a closed-system drug transfer device reduces contamination with doxorubicin during bolus injection
Author(s) -
Tom Marler-Hausen,
Chris Holt,
Christine Headley,
P.J.M. Sessink
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
british journal of nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.269
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 2052-2819
pISSN - 0966-0461
DOI - 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.10.s15
Subject(s) - contamination , doxorubicin , medicine , bolus (digestion) , drug administration , pharmacology , surgery , chemotherapy , ecology , biology
Background: Administration of doxorubicin via bolus injection may result in environmental contamination and a risk of nurses becoming exposed. Small spills are frequently observed by nurses when syringes are connected to, and disconnected from, infusion lines.Aims: The effect of a closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD) on the release of doxorubicin was studied during administration via bolus injections.Methods: 10 administrations with the currently used technique and 10 administrations using the CSTD were compared by analysis of doxorubicin contamination on gauze pads, tissues and gloves.Findings: Using the current technique, contamination was found during nine administrations, which was mainly on the gauze pads and, to a lesser extent, on the tissues and gloves, indicating release of doxorubicin during administration. With use of the CSTD, contamination was found only on one pair of gloves.Conclusion: Use of a CSTD significantly decreased the number of spills and level of contamination compared with the currently used technique and, consequently, the use of such devices offers a safer working environment for nurses.