The USP General Chapter <800> provides guidelines for the handling of hazardous drugs (HDs) to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the environment from exposure to these substances.
Sterile chemo mats are useful during several steps of the process. They provide an ideal surface for unpacking HD’s and can help minimize the risk of contamination or spills.
A chemo prep mat, also known as a chemotherapy preparation mat, is a specially designed mat that can help protect personnel and the environment from hazardous drug exposure during the preparation of chemotherapy drugs.
Using these mats are important because chemotherapy drugs can have harmful effects on anyone that handles them, as well as the environment. The mat can help contain any spills or leaks that may occur during drug preparation. They contain an absorbent poly-cellulose nonwoven surface and a plastic backing that limits chemicals from soaking through. This is critical to restricting any HD’s from being left on the preparation surface or coming into contact with other objects or equipment.
Once inspected, hazardous drugs must be transferred to the HD storage area as soon as possible. Upon inspection, if no breakage is identified, they are transported to a C-PEC (Containment Primary Engineering Controls) and placed the chemo prep mat. Please refer to your facilities’ SOPs and local state laws for handling.
Recommendations for optimal use
It’s important to place the mat on a clean, flat surface to provide a stable and level workspace. Before handling HD’s, workers should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with their specific facility guidelines.
Once the workspace is prepared, the unpacking of the chemo mat can begin. Use the appropriate cleanroom wipe with 70% IPA to wipe down the exterior of the plastic packaging. Do not open it until it is in the prep space / C-PEC workstation where it will be used. Now is time to puncture the package with sterile scissors and remove the sterile mat from the plastic. Place the mat onto the appropriate workstation. Remove the plastic from your worksite and discard of in your cleanroom disposal site.
After the task is performed, any waste materials, including the used chemo mat, should be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations and standards.
Steps for receiving hazardous drugs (HDs) according to USP <800>:
It’s important to note that these steps are only a summary of the requirements set forth in USP <800>, and facilities should consult the full chapter for complete guidance on handling hazardous drugs.
The information supplied in this document is for guidance only. Follow your specific cleanroom or company procedural manual before this guide.
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