The spread of chemotherapeutic agents at work: assessment through simulation

An innovative simulation technique employing a saline-soluble fluorescent dye for evaluating the potential contamination by cancer chemotherapeutic agents of the work area and of personnel during normal mixing and administration procedures has been developed. The technique involves replication of routine mixing and administration procedures within a sampling frame laminated with a nonfluorescent surface. The user also wears protective clothing and gloves which are later examined for contamination by the fluorescent dye, as are the vials and syringe. Typical results are presented here. Observations made during technique development demonstrate that under many routine procedures the work surface, hands, and clothing, particularly the inner sleeves and chest covering, are contaminated by the dye. The usefulness of the technique and the implications of these data are discussed and practical suggestions for preventing similar exposure from cancer chemotherapeutic agents during actual use are given.