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Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs — Wipe Sampling

Abstract No:

1296 

Abstract Type:

Professional Poster 

Authors:

E Hooks1

Institutions:

1Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO

Presenter:

Emma Hooks, MA  
Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Description:

The Barnes-Jewish Hospital's Hazardous Drug Committee performed wipe sampling assessments to verify program effectiveness. Assessments included collection of samples from multiple locations throughout organizational facilities. Collected samples were analyzed for a variety of NIOSH listed hazardous drugs by a certified laboratory. The committee evaluated assessment results and implemented process improvements accordingly.

Situation / Problem:

Hazardous drugs include carcinogens, teratogens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins at low doses, genotoxins and new drugs mimicking existing hazardous drugs. Barnes-Jewish Hospital identified a need to implement hazardous drug handling safe work practices, polices and procedures to protect employees and others from potential health hazard exposures, The regulatory and consensus guidelines used included: the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) 800 and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Implementation of program provisions required development of methodologies for verifying effectiveness.

Methods:

A multi­disciplinary committee consisting of representatives from Pharmacy, Nursing, Supply Chain, Occupational Health and Environmental Health & Safety was established. Additionally, the committee retained technical support from a Certified Industrial Hygienist and environmental specialist. The committee defined a structure for verifying program provision effectiveness via implementation of a wipe sampling management program. Committee members performed observations and identified facility areas of potential risk of hazardous drug exposure. Wipe sampling program protocols were developed to perform sampling in these areas. Sample results were assessed to evaluate hazardous drug handling program effectiveness.

Results / Conclusions:

Following completion of wipe sampling assessment activities, the presence of hazardous drug residues in some high risk areas was identified. The committee evaluated hazardous drug handling procedures in the subject areas. Following evaluation, associated procedures were revised, engineering controls installed where necessary, and staff trained in revised procedure provisions. Observation rounds were conducted to observe staff practices and provide just-in-time training, as appropriate. Additionally, wipe sampling protocols were reviewed and revised to include assessment of procedural revisions. The project enhanced processes for identifying methods to protect employees handling hazardous drugs while providing quality patient care.

Primary Topic:

Healthcare

Secondary Topics:

Exposure Assessment Strategies
Sampling and Analysis

Co-Authors

Please add your co-authors below. Co-authors are listed for professional courtesy and will not be communicated with regarding the decision notification or any on-site logistics, if accepted. Only the primary presenter listed is expected to attend and present the content on-site.

Scott Myers, Burns & McDonnell Engineering, Co., St. Louis, MO
Jeffrey Hillis, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Jennifer Kordick, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Dorothy Hancock, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Jeffrey Blunt, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Lisa Wojtak, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Patsy Stapleton, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Meghan McDannald, Barnes-­Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Nicole Brougham, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Abdul Johnson, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
William Griesemer, Barnes­-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Eric Wenger, Burns & McDonnell Engineering, Co., Kansas City, MO

Acknowledgements and References

List any additional people who worked on the project or provided guidance and support along with details on the role they played in the research. (Please include first name, last name, organization, city, state and country).

References:
1) American Industrial Hygiene Association
2) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
3) OSHA Technical Manual, Section 6, Chapter 2
4) United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) 797
5) United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) 800

Practical Application

How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?

Provides a practical, hands on application for verifying effectiveness of required hazardous drug handling procedures in healthcare environments. Provides methodologies for continuous program monitoring and advancement.

Learning Level

What learning level is the presentation content geared towards?

Experienced - has a thorough understanding of the content area and work experience including application and evaluation of the content/concepts in a variety of contexts; can vary performance based on unique situations.