Assessment of the surface contamination of the primary packaging of oral antineoplastic drugs and secondary packaging of chemotherapy preparations at a Swiss hospital.

This article focuses on assessing the chemical contamination of packaging surfaces of oral and injectable antineoplastic drugs handled in a Swiss hospital setting. Using a validated wipe sampling method combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS), the study analyzed 36 primary packages of oral formulations and 60 leak-proof secondary packages of injectable preparations, along with carriers used for transport. Results showed that 58% of oral primary packaging and 90% of injectable secondary packaging were contaminated with trace levels (nanograms) of antineoplastic drugs, predominantly methotrexate, gemcitabine, and cyclophosphamide. The study highlights that contamination likely arises from handling processes and packaging materials, emphasizing the necessity of appropriate personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals and suggesting improvements in chemical decontamination protocols to reduce occupational exposure risks.