Development of Analytical Tools To Investigate Aerosolized Cytotoxic Drugs

This research was aimed at developing and validating an efficient air sampling technique in a controlled laboratory environment, making it possible to accurately assess even low levels of workers’ exposure to cytotoxic drugs. The goal was to allow for the establishment of more effective protocols to better control and manage hazardous drug contaminants within B.C. healthcare facilities.

Cytotoxic (cell killing) drugs, which are used in treating cancer and other illnesses, can be present in the air and on surfaces within health care facilities. In order to study airborne exposures to cytotoxic drugs, accurate sampling methodologies need to be developed.

As a first step, this project designed and built a device for releasing precise quantities of vapour, dried particle or liquid cytotoxic drug aerosols into a sealed chamber for analysis. The project also tested methods of extracting particles of the drug cyclophosphamide (CP) from the chamber for analysis

The researchers’ longer term goal is to develop a personal aerosol sampler that will measure airborne cytotoxic drug particles in health care settings.