Rule 480-21-.06. Cytotoxic Agents
The following additional requirements are necessary for those retail pharmacies providing home health care services that routinely prepare chemotherapy agents to insure the protection of the personnel involved:
- (a) All chemotherapy agents should be compounded in a vertical flow, Class II, biological safety cabinet. If possible, other products should not be compounded in this cabinet.
- (b) Protective apparel shall be worn by personnel compounding chemotherapy drugs. This shall include disposable masks, gloves, and gowns with tight cuffs.
- (c) Proper aseptic and safety techniques shall be used by personnel compounding chemotherapy agents. This shall include, at a minimum, utilizing syringes and sets with luer-lock fittings, and wrapping alcohol swabs around needle and neck of vials when withdrawing cytotoxic solutions from a vial.
- (d) Appropriate disposal procedures for cytotoxic waste must be developed that comply with applicable state and federal regulations.
- (e) Written policies and procedures for handling both major and minor spills of cytotoxic agents must be developed.
- (f) Prepared doses of chemotherapy must be dispensed and shipped or delivered in a manner to minimize the risk of accidental rupture of the primary container.
Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 26-4-27, 26-4-28, 26-4-86, 26-4-87, 26-4-110, 26-4-111.
History. Original Rule entitled "Cytotoxic Agents" was filed on August 30, 1985; effective September 19, 1985.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2002; eff. Mar. 12, 2002.