172 Healthcare workers and occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in oncology wards

Abstract

ObjectiveTo quantify levels of Ifosfamide (IF) in urine among healthcare workers in a hospital setting. MethodsThis cross-sectional study identified 70 subjects who handled IF in oncology wards or antineoplastic drug preparing units at a medical school hospital. Their urine samples were collected at 1-2 hours prior to the end of each work shift, the levels of IF was determinate by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Information on demographic information, work practice, work position, working station, medication timing and dosages including the time of urine collections was collected using self-administered questionnaires and personal interviews. ResultsIF levels were detected in urine of 20 personnel (28.6% of total) with geometric mean of 3.6 ng /mL, arithmetic mean 43.6 ng /mL, min-max of 16-526 ng/mL. Among IF-positive subjects, 53.8% of workers with were in the age group of 41-60 years. Levels of IF were found in all subjects who were drug-preparing workers were found positive tests for IF. The levels of urine IF (geometric mean) were found to be of 526 ng/mL among the pharmacist assistants, 3.1 ng/mL for cleaning worker, 2.9 ng/mL for nurses, and 86.8 ng/mL for pharmacists. ConclusionsAll groups of healthcare workers in the processes of anti-neoplastic medication especially among pharmacist assistants and cleaning workers. Although in a high standard protection against the oncological chemicals, health personnel are at risk of contaminations especially among professional assistants and general workers.