Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in Medical Personnel at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in 2005

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to survey exposure to antineoplastic drugs among medical personnel at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Exposures were categorized into 4 steps; preparation, intravenous administration, contacting of excretions and cleaning. This study was carried out from May 9, 2005 to May 20, 2005. Questionnaires were distributed to 763 medical staffers. Results showed that 75.3 percent of the personnel have cared for patients associated with cancer. Frequency of their exposure to the drugs was approximately 1-2 days/week. The common personal protective equipment-PPE used were gloves, mask, googles, and apron, respectively according to the frequency of use. Preparation of antineoplastic drugs was occasionally carried out inside a class II biological laminar flow hood (42.9 percent). Exposure incidence mostly occurred during intravenous administration. Lack of knowledge on the health hazards of antineoplastic drugs and the use of PPEs were prevalent among this group of personnel.