As a phlebotomist, the likelihood of coming into contact with chemotherapy drugs used to treat some cancers does exist. You may need to draw, process, or test samples from a patient receiving chemotherapy, or you may be involved in a medication spill..

Why is this a safety issue? Because many chemotherapy drugs are known as antineoplastics, a class of drug used in healthcare settings that is designed specifically to destroy cancer cells. Direct contact with these toxic medications can cause many significant health effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and suppression of bone marrow function. The health risk is influenced by the extent of the exposure and the toxicity of the hazardous drug.

One way for direct contact to occur with antineoplastic agents is an accidental spill event. Medication vials or intravenous poles can be dropped or knocked over. If you are in an area where a spill has occurred, you should leave the area as soon as possible. Only those trained in spill clean-up should use the special chemotherapy spill kits to participate in containment.

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) we commonly use while handling laboratory specimens is sufficient to prevent occupational exposure. A fluid-impervious lab coat, gloves, and proper face protection are protective against the amounts of antineoplastic drugs found in such patients’ samples. No extra precautions by the phlebotomist are necessary while collecting or handling blood and body fluids from patients taking chemotherapy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional information about antineoplastic drugs on its website. If you collect or process samples from cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, you should be aware of the necessary safety precautions discussed. As always, perform your duties using Standard Precautions, and be prepared to safely handle situations involving antineoplastic drugs.

Bibliography
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hazardous Drug Exposure in Healthcare. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/antineoplastic/. Accessed 5/1/19.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-165/pdfs/2004-165.pdf. Accessed 5/1/19.

You can contact Dan Scungio, “Dan the Lab Safety Man” at [email protected].