[Implementation and assessment of anticancer drugs batch preparation circuit in a teaching hospital]

In 2011, the anticancer preparation unit in a teaching hospital implemented a circuit for batch preparation of anticancer drugs. In this circuit, a manual and a semi-automatic production process coexist. The aim of the study is to describe the circuit in 2016 and to assess the impact of batch preparation in a anticancer preparation unit.

Eligible anticancer drugs for batch preparation satisfy two conditions: solution stability up to 28 days, prescription frequency up to one every two days. Batch worksheets are standardized. The pharmaceutical validation relies on the conformity of microbiological, analytical, gravimetric and visual controls of infusion bags. The duration of manual and semi-automatic batch preparation process and the time availability of an infusion bag were assessed.

In 2016, eleven anticancer drugs (33 dosages) were eligible for batch preparation: it represents 22% of total production. In total, 70% was semi-automatic. The mean batch sizes were 27±9 (semi-automatic) and 14±1 (manual). The mean duration of production process was respectively 78min and 113min for semi-automatic and manual batch preparation. The mean time availability of an infusion bag was 32min±17.

Our process is secure. Batch preparation of anticancer drugs contributes to smooth production and spare nurses from preparing infusion bags outside opening hours of the anticancer preparation unit. Eligible anticancer drugs and batches size change constantly according to the evolution of prescription frequencies and anticancer drugs public tenders.