Reducing Antineoplastic Drug Surface Contamination in an Outpatient Oncology Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs (ADs) via dermal absorption from contaminated work surfaces is a serious concern in healthcare environments where people handle ADs. Exposure to ADs increases healthcare workers' risk of cancer development, adverse reproductive events, and other health problems. Surface wipe sampling is an important step in evaluating the effectiveness of AD safe handling practices. This quality improvement project, conducted at a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center, demonstrated that surface wipe sampling identified contamination on 15% of surfaces, leading to clinically significant practice changes and no identified contamination.At a GlanceSurfaces where nurses and other healthcare workers work can be contaminated with AD residue, which puts them at risk for adverse effects.Identifying modes of contamination and sharing sampling results motivates changes in AD safe handling practices and decontamination through interprofessional collaboration.Bleach solution is effective in AD residue decontamination.