Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets
Overview
During drug preparation, spraying and splattering of chemicals can occur. For example when withdrawing needles from drug vials; using syringes and needles or filter straws for drug transfer; opening ampoules; or when removing air from a syringe.
Health Issues
Cytotoxic drugs are toxic compounds and are known to have carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic potential. Direct contact may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and in some cases ulceration and necrosis of the tissue. This toxicity means the exposure of health-care personnel to these chemicals must be minimised. At the same time, aseptic conditions must be maintained.
Standards
Pharmaceutical practice calls for the use of aseptic techniques and a sterile environment. Many pharmacies provide this environment by using a laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinet, which protects product, the environment and, most importantly, personnel.
Airlab Solution
Put simply, our experts can cover all aspects of biohazard cabinet testing and validation. From advice on HEPA filters to annual certification – all our work is performed to AS/NZS 1807 and NSF 49 standards.
Our full range of services includes:
- Biohazard cabinet testing and validation.
- Illuminance, vibration, sound level, air barrier containment, air velocity and uniformity tests.
- Testing the integrity of HEPA filters in cabinets.
- Annual validation and certification.
- Certification to Class 350 air cleanliness standard (this ensures the supply of air does not inhibit the operation of the cabinet).
