Q&A COP webinar – Cytotoxic medication and associated waste management.

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Everyone,

Questions and answers from the Aged Care COP webinar – Cytotoxic medication and associated waste management.

Feel free to add anything to the chat.

1. If someone receives Immunoglobulin injection outside and back to Community on the same day, how much is the risk?
Non, a typical immunoglobulin is not considered a hazardous drug for the general public. While some immunoglobulin products may have potential risks for patients receiving them, such as adverse reactions or, very rarely, the transmission of infections, they are not classified as hazardous in the same way as cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs. Immunoglobulins are not typically on lists of hazardous drugs. Standard precautions apply.

2. Link to recording and PP
Scroll down to October: https://www.acipc.org.au/acipc-aged-ipc-webinar-series/

3. Could you please share the cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic medication list?
Link provided under recording

4. What are your thoughts on double gloving as opposed to using nitrile gloves?
ONS and NIOSH recommend that 2 pairs of gloves are worn during any activity
involving hazardous drugs except during administration of intact oral drugs. However, the various state and territory Work Health Safety guidelines of Australia and New Zealand recommend wearing one pair of purpose manufactured gloves as part of standard PPE for hazardous drugs. Easiest to follow the jurisdiction guideline and develop organisation guidelines against these.

5. Where a resident is on cytotoxic ointment can we double glove
Different states carry different recommendations. The organisation can also risk assess this need. See the resources in the PP for a guide in your area. Note: the ointment should be applied with a spatula – it remains non touch application.

6. Some literature states latex or nitrile gloves. You have clearly stated nitrile gloves. Is there a reason for this? I am updating current policy ATM.
Nitrile preferred recommended material; however, latex can be used, if they meet the strict ASTM D6978 standard and are specifically tested and verified for chemotherapy drug permeation resistance. (Not all latex gloves have this capacity -procurement must have knowledge in this – its safest to simply use nitrile.)

7. When cleaning a client’s toilet in the community, confirming the recommended PPE for use where there is no risk of exposure to blood/body fluids (e.g., standard precautions only)?
Yes – Heavy duty or disposable gloves, disposable apron and where splash risk surgical mask and eye wear

8. Is there any exposure risk to team who touched resident on cytotoxic ointment?
If you are not touching where the ointment has been applied (the area should be covered) there is no risk in touching. Handling body products of the person having the treatment carries a risk.

[Author]

Posts