A closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD) helps stop liquid medications from leaking out of tubing and other containers during administration. However, medical professionals should not assume that the CSTD is foolproof and will always work correctly. Additional safety gear is necessary, and it's not always enough to go for the standard pair of nitrile gloves. The type of medication you're handling also needs to be taken into account.
Two Pairs of Appropriate Gloves
A fluid like a saline solution isn't going to do much to you if it touches your bare skin by accident, and a single pair of gloves is usually enough when you're administering something like saline. But for more intense drugs, like chemotherapy medications, you need additional protection in the form of gloves rated for that type of medication (to continue the chemotherapy example, there are gloves specially made for those medications). Wearing two pairs is best because if one has a tiny rip in it, the second will block any spilled medication from reaching your skin.
Non-absorbent Gowns
Cloth and paper gowns are generally fine for basic work, but if you're using a medication that needs to be in a closed delivery system, then you also want a gown that won't absorb any of the medication if that medication splashes onto the gown. You must have gowns that will block the fluid, and that will be easy to clean off (using the appropriate protocols for that, of course). Be sure the gowns are also big enough to provide needed coverage -- a non-absorbent gown won't help if it doesn't cover most of your clothing.
Facial Protection
You're not going to find facial protection used in a lot of hospital departments, but if you've got someone working closely with very hazardous medications, such as someone trying to compound powdered-form medications, goggles would be appropriate at the very least. Get goggles that will fit over eyeglasses; while prescription goggles do exist, these are expensive, could be used by only one person, and would have to be changed every time the person's prescription changed. Regular goggles that fit over glasses will be the most versatile and provide the best visibility.
Medical supply companies will have a few options for each of these items. You may want to speak with the customer service department to get help finding the most appropriate type, or you may want to have a few different types on hand. For more information on niosh cstd, contact your local medical equipment supplier.
Share12 June 2018
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