The Safety of Closed Medication Transfer
Closed system transfer devices (CSTDs) provide an important layer of safety for healthcare workers who handle hazardous drugs. By enclosing medications in sealed containers during the transfer process, CSTDs help prevent the accidental release of airborne particles that can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. This is especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic when frontline workers are already at increased risk of occupational exposure.
How Closed Transfer Devices Work
Closed System Transfer Device work by using either a clamp or spiked port system to facilitate the transfer of medications between containers while maintaining a closed pathway. No disconnects from the system are required during the transfer process, keeping potentially hazardous contents enclosed. Some CSTD models provide closed access ports for syringe attachments as well, eliminating the need for vial stopper manipulation. The closed design aims to contain 100% of drug and vapor concentrations to prevent environmental contamination and exposure to healthcare staff.
Reducing Risks to Healthcare Professionals
Studies have found that traditional non-CSTD methods for transferring and preparing hazardous drugs can lead to surface contamination of drug vial stoppers, caps, and workspace areas. Personnel risks include inhalation of and skin exposure to airborne particles during handling steps. Closed system transfer device technology is designed to address these issues by enclosing the entire medication transfer workflow within a single closed system. This physical barrier helps block evaporation and the escape of hazardous drug or vapor, lowering risks to nurses, pharmacists and other practitioners.
Improving Safety in High-Risk Clinical Areas
Closed System Transfer Device provide heightened safety protections in settings where handling hazardous drugs is frequent, such as oncology pharmacy admixture areas and chemotherapy treatment units. A closed design prevents contamination of equipment, surfaces and medicine preparation spaces. It also protects clinical staff who must transfer and administer powerful anticancer agents to vulnerable patient populations on a daily basis. As frontline healthcare sees sustained demand throughout the ongoing pandemic, closed transfer methods help reassure workers and safeguard a critical link in the medication use process.
Advancing Safety as the Standard of Care
Leading healthcare accreditation organizations now recommend or require the use of CSTDs or other closed drug transfer devices when possible. Their inclusion helps facilities meet heightened safety standards for handling hazardous drugs. As evidence demonstrates the contamination risks posed by traditional methods, an increasing number of hospitals and health systems are making CSTD technology universal for antineoplastic and other hazardous medications. A closed standard of transfer presents one of the best options for protecting healthcare staff over the long-term from occupational exposure to hazardous drugs.
Closed system transfer devices provide an important layer of safety when transferring hazardous drugs like chemotherapy agents. By enclosing the entire medication transfer process within a closed pathway, CSTDs aim to prevent the escape of hazardous airborne particles and contamination of surfaces. This protects healthcare professionals facing increased exposure risks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the evidence demonstrates their advantages, CSTDs are becoming recognized as a safer standard for medication transfer moving forward.
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