The preparation of cytotoxic drugs requires high quality levels to limit biocontamination and chemocontamination risks. While standardised measures exist for biocontamination, this is not the case for chemocontamination. Despite precautions, chemocontamination can occur at many stages. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of decontamination solutions following intentional contamination on stainless steel surfaces inside a biosafety cabinet using antineoplastic drugs. Three sessions were conducted to assess the effectiveness of four decontamination solutions (Surfa'Safe, Septalkan, ethanol 70% and Versol water) on areas contaminated with antineoplastic drugs. Ten areas were tested: one negative and one positive control area and eight contaminated areas followed by decontamination: four 'wet' (decontaminated immediately) and four 'dry' areas (decontaminated after 1 hour). The effectiveness of decontamination (Effq) and the impact of drying time were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. Negative controls showed very low levels of contamination. Septalkan and Surfa'Safe, both quaternary ammonium-based solutions, were the most effective for decontamination (Effq >95%), with greater effectiveness in the 'wet' protocol than in the 'dry' protocol (Surfa'Safe: 95.3% vs 97.3%; Septalkan: 95.3% vs 98%). Despite a lower value, decontamination was not statistically significant between the two methods of decontamination (immediate and after drying; p=0.125). Quaternary ammonium-based solutions appear to be the best options for limiting chemocontamination. Despite the similar effectiveness of Septalkan and Surfa'Safe, the latter seems to be a more efficient option for routine use of an appropriate cleaning solution.

IntroductionOccupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs remains a significant concern for healthcare workers. Surface contamination is a key indicator of exposure risks and reflects the effectiveness of practices. This study aimed to describe contamination with 11 antineoplastic drugs on 12 surfaces in Canadian healthcare centres participating in the 2025 monitoring program and to examine practices implemented by these centres, including the potential influence of hazardous drug committees.MethodsEach centre sampled six standardized sites in oncology pharmacies and six in outpatient clinics. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantified cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, doxorubicin, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, irinotecan, methotrexate, paclitaxel and vinorelbine. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry quantified platinum-based drugs. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test assessed differences in contamination, and chi-square tests compared practice implementation.ResultsA total of 127 centres participated. Overall, 35% (504/1 453) of surfaces were contaminated, most frequently cyclophosphamide (22%, 90th percentile 0.0052 ng/cm2) and gemcitabine (14%, 0.0017 ng/cm2). The most contaminated sites were the front grille inside the biological safety cabinet (70%) and the armrest of the treatment chair (67%). More than half of centres (67/122, 55%) reported having a hazardous drugs committee. Cyclophosphamide surface contamination differed by committee presence and meeting frequency (p = 0.034). Centres with a committee were more likely to implement certain handling practices, including cleaning vials before storage (p = 0.004).ConclusionsSurface contamination remains frequent but at low concentrations, with evidence of improvement over time. Multidisciplinary committees, continuous monitoring and broader staff engagement are essential to strengthen safety culture and reduce occupational exposure.

BackgroundThis study evaluates the penetration and evolution of laboratory equipment in China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) from 2021 to 2023, establishing benchmarks for optimal equipment configuration and operational capacity enhancement.MethodsData were collected from CDCs at provincial, municipal, and county levels over three years using stratified sampling and structured questionnaires. These captured information on equipment penetration and user satisfaction. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Fisher’s exact tests, identified trends and disparities in equipment distribution across administrative tiers.ResultsAnalysis of 540 questionnaires from 376 CDCs showed that essential equipment like Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and qPCR machines achieved over 95% penetration across all levels. Municipal CDCs reported the largest increases in equipment acquisition, followed by provincial CDCs, with minimal changes at the county level. The penetration of domestic qPCR machines rose from 21.8% in 2021% to 28.3% in 2023, with domestic brands closing the gap with international counterparts. Post-COVID-19, strategies for optimizing equipment utilization appear promising.ConclusionThis study provides a valuable dataset on microbiology laboratory equipment in China’s CDCs, revealing distinct patterns in equipment retention and acquisition. Disparities in qPCR machine and High-throughput Sequencer (HTS) penetration and satisfaction rates highlight a shift toward domestic manufacturing. The findings offer essential benchmarks for optimizing laboratory infrastructure and enhancing public health responses.

To ensure safe decontamination in Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), we evaluated various solutions and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation against anticancer drugs. Cyclophosphamide (CPA) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were tested. After 16 h of UV exposure, CPA degraded to 42–55% of its initial amount, while 5-FU showed minimal reduction. A single wipe with purified water effectively decreased drug residues, and the combination of purified water and UV irradiation was most effective for CPA. In contrast, a 0.1% benzalkonium chloride solution showed poor performance with or without UV. Overall, physical cleaning with purified water followed by UV irradiation offers a practical and reliable decontamination method in routine hospital practice.

BackgroundExposure incidents to human pathogens and toxins (HPTs) in licensed facilities in Canada are monitored by Laboratory Incident Notification Canada (LINC), a surveillance system that describes and identifies trends among exposure incidents in Canada using quantitative and qualitative data.MethodsConfirmed exposure incidents reported to LINC in 2024 were analyzed. The exposure incident rate was calculated and compared to previous years. A seasonality analysis compared monthly trends. Exposure incidents were described by sector, implicated HPTs, main activity, occurrence types, root causes, affected individuals and reporting delay. Text-based descriptions of exposure incidents underwent qualitative analysis.ResultsIn 2024, there were 71 confirmed exposure incidents affecting 132 individuals. There were 67.5 incidents per 1,000 active licences. Bacteria was the most commonly implicated HPT (64%). Microbiology (67.6%) was the primary activity during confirmed exposures. The public health sector had the highest incident rate and mean number of affected persons per active licence. The most frequently reported occurrence type and root cause was procedure-related (21.4%) and human factors (62%), respectively. Most affected individuals were technicians/technologists (76.5%). The median time between incident and reporting was five days.ConclusionThe exposure incident rate was higher in 2024 compared to the previous year. The public health sector had the highest incident rate between 2016–2024. Qualitative analysis revealed that working with cultures outside the biological safety cabinet and insufficient face-related personal protective equipment were common factors involved in confirmed exposure incidents.

The aim of the work was to identify and analyze failures of microbiological safety cabinets and supply and exhaust ventilation systems in bacteriological laboratories. Materials and methods. The technical condition and integrity of the HEPA filters of the microbiological safety cabinets and air purification filters for supply and exhaust ventilation were checked in accordance with the requirements of articles 188–191 of SanPiN 3.3686-21, GOST R EN 12469-2010. Over the period of 2018–2023, 926 studies were conducted to verify the protective effectiveness of microbiological safety cabinets and air purification filters; of those, microbiological safety cabinets class 1, 2, 3 – 524 units, filters for air purification of supply and exhaust ventilation – 402. The inspection was performed using the following bits of equipment (measuring instruments): Solair 3100 portable particle counter, Atomizer Aero Generator ATM 226 test aerosol generator, Dilution System DIL 554 aerosol diluent, Testo 510 differential pressure gauge. Results and discussion. As a result of the study conducted, it was established that out of 524 cabinets, 488 units (93 %) met the requirements of sanitary regulations and were approved for further use. 36 microbiological safety cabinets did not pass the test for compliance with the requirements of sanitary rules and regulations by the following parameters: the incoming flow rate – 4 units, the downward flow rate – 6 units, and the protective efficiency of the filter – 26 units. Of the 26 cases of the protective effectiveness violation of the air purification filters in the microbiological safety cabinets, 15 filters had their integrity compromised at one or 2–3 surface points, and 6 pieces of equipment had diffusely damaged entire filter surface. 5 pieces of equipment had a leak of test aerosol around the perimeter of the installation and breach of the sealing of the filter in the housing of the cabinet.

Abstract Background Lymphocyte function and immune competence can be measured by proliferative response to stimuli and is useful in several clinical contexts including primary (or genetic) and secondary immunodeficiencies (e.g., immunosuppression following transplantation). Proliferation assays have traditionally been prepared manually due to the difficulty in maintaining the sterile environment required to prevent bacterial and fungal impact on cell growth. On most automated liquid handlers, the sample and reagents are placed inside a cabinet whose inner surfaces include rails, pullies, pumps, and circuitry that face the sample and are not amenable to sterilization. The Andrew+ (Waters, MA) is a small surface cleanable liquid handler with all machinery enclosed. We demonstrate here the use of an Andrew+ placed in a biological safety cabinet (BSC) to perform sterile assay setup. Methods Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) from five individuals were manually generated via buffy coat isolation, then brought to standardized concentration. An Andrew+ was placed in a 4’ BSC and all surfaces disinfected with Oxivir Tb (Diversey, SC). The Andrew+ prepared three serial dilutions of two stimulant reagents (phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed (PWM)), then dispensed stimulant and control reagents horizontally and PBMCs vertically to a 48 well plate. This process was duplicated manually from the same specimens to create a reference plate. The plates were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for three days, then pulsed with EdU (Thermo Fisher, MA) and incubated for one additional day. Cells were harvested and counted via flow cytometry. Overall time and hands-on time were measured. Results A total of five samples were tested inside a using both manual and automation setup under eight conditions including with isotype control, media without stimulant, three concentrations of PHA, and three concentrations of PWM. The percent proliferation for various cell types as induced by each stimulant was calculated from the difference of the highest stimulant signal from the background (media-only) signal. Comparing the automated and manual method results showed a slope of 1.0217 and R2 of 0.9966. For a simulated run of 6 samples, technologist time for automated steps was under 8 minutes with a total time of 56 minutes. When these steps were performed manually, the time was 30 minutes. Automation increased total time by 26 minutes but saved 22 minutes of technologist hands-on time. Conclusion The Andrew+ was able to perform sterile setup of a cell culture assay. While slower overall than manual processing, technologist time was reduced. Ergonomic, inter-tech variability, and sample transcription error issues were subjectively observed to be less likely. The Andrew+ can work with up to four “dominos” (reagent or tip blocks) in width and up to three dominos in depth. Non-custom, standard depth BSCs from a variety of manufacturers (Labconco, Nuaire, ThermoFisher) have room for one domino in depth so, except for timings performed in this evaluation, all steps were broken down to be performed with a max of four dominos. Efficient sterile use of the system would require an extended depth BSC.

IntroductionSurface contamination from chemotherapy drugs poses occupational risks to healthcare workers, yet data from China are limited. This study assessed such contamination in healthcare facilities in Shaanxi Province.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 institutions. Surface wipe samples were collected from Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services (PIVAS) and drug preparation rooms in wards (DPRWs) over three days, before and after cleaning. Concentrations of cyclophosphamide (CP) and gemcitabine (Gem) were measured using HPLC-MS/MS. Statistical analyses evaluated contamination differences across environments and cleaning effects.ResultsA total of 659 samples were analyzed. In PIVAS, median Gem and CP levels ranged from 0.00-1.44 ng/cm² and 0.0011-1.10 ng/cm², respectively. In DPRWs, levels ranged from 0.01-3.53 ng/cm² (Gem) and 0.47-36.61 ng/cm² (CP), with CP consistently higher. Contamination concentrated on biological safety cabinet (BSC) surfaces in PIVAS and cabinet windows or preparation tables in DPRWs. Cleaning significantly reduced contamination, which correlated with drug preparation volume. While DPRWs had higher median contamination, the overall difference with PIVAS was not significant. However, DPRWs equipped with BSC had notably lower contamination.ConclusionsHazardous drug contamination remains a concern, especially in DPRWs without BSC. Enhanced cleaning protocols and stricter safety regulations are needed to protect healthcare workers in Chinese medical settings.

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes has been shown not only to be a useful biomarker of chemotherapeutic drugs (CDs) exposure-associated genetic damage but also to be predictive of increased future cancer risk and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess CAs and their possible associated factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) occupationally exposed to CDs in Mansoura University Hospitals (MUHs). A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of 100 HCWs who were directly involved in handling CDs while working in chemotherapy units at MUHs. They were subjected to an interview-based, semi structured questionnaire including enquiries on sociodemographic, occupational characteristics, self-reported medical history, and CAs analysis. This study revealed that the majority of HCWs exposed to CDs in MUHs (83%) had CAs, predominantly chromosomal breaks (75%). The frequency of CAs was statistically significantly higher among nurses compared to pharmacists. Nurses working in the clinical oncology and nuclear medicine department, those with longer working durations (>5 years), nurses who were responsible for the preparation and administration of CDs, and non-use of biological safety cabinets had statistically significantly higher frequencies of CAs. Using the linear regression model, the job title was the only significant predictor of the variation of the square root of CAs.Conclusions and Application to Practice:This study indicates that HCWs, particularly nurses, who handle CDs without appropriate safety measures are at increased risk of genotoxicity. These findings address the need for regular biomonitoring for the occupational risks among HCWs handling these drugs.

Introduction Immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid is indicated for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with defects in humoral immunity. Unopened immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid in its original container may be stored under refrigerated conditions at (2-8°C/36-46°F) for 36 months or may be stored for 24 months at room temperature (25°C/77°F) from the date it was manufactured. However, pooling intravenous immune globulin from several vials into a single container (usually a flexible bag) under aseptic conditions prior to administration is sometimes desirable in clinical practice. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pooling immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid in 3 types of flexible containers under aseptic conditions. Methods Pooling of the immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid was performed aseptically in a biological safety cabinet. The product was pooled into 3 types of empty containers: a polyolefin container, an EVA 2-port container, and a 3-in-1 EVA container. The following attributes were evaluated to determine product stability and quality at days 0, 1, 7, and 14: pH, total protein composition, osmolality, molecular size distribution (IgG monomers plus dimers, IgG fragments, IgG polymers), anti-complement activity, hepatitis B antibody titer, appearance, particle matter, thrombin generation activity, endotoxin, and sterility. Conclusion Pooled immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid remained within release specifications (which are the FDA-approved requirements for immune globulin intravenous, human-stwk, 10% liquid) for all parameters evaluated for up to 14 days when stored under refrigerated conditions (2-8°C/36-46°F) in 3 commercially available flexible containers.

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a common pathogen of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) frequently contracted by young children. The virus commonly transmits by faecal contamination, and possibly through direct or indirect contact via fomite and respiratory routes. Transmission via fomites and the respiratory route via airborne or droplets is not clearly understood. Mouse-adapted EV-A71 (MP4 EV-A71) was used to study the effect of EV-A71 fomite-induced and respiratory transmission in one-week-old hamsters. For fomite transmission, the hamsters were exposed to coins contaminated with 104 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) of EV-A71. All hamsters survived, showing self-limiting progression, and no significant loss of weight, but low viral RNA loads were detected in the oral washes and the mother of the exposed hamsters developed low neutralization titers. Despite the low fomite doses, transmission likely occurred in these hamsters. In respiratory transmission using an aerosol test chamber which was placed within the biological safety cabinet, self-limiting progression were seen in contact hamsters exposed to index hamsters orally infected with 104 TCID50 of EV-A71. Index hamsters showed infection and died, but all contact hamsters survived. Computational fluid dynamics analysis showed that the transmission risk of the virus was heavily dependent on the cabinet airflow. Due to the strong convection flow, the exhaled air from the index-infected hamsters were defected, reducing the risk of infection to the contact hamsters. Taken together, our findings suggest that compared to control oral infections, fomites and respiratory transmission is less effective, but could still occur. This first animal model transmission study can be further refined with different virus dosages, exposure time and air flow to study fomite and respiratory transmission of EV-A71 in hamsters.

Введение.Биобезопасность в лабораториях диагностики туберкулеза (ТБ) является критическим аспектом защиты персонала, пациентов и окружающей среды от биологических рисков, связанных с работой с Mycobacterium tuberculosis. В условиях Кыргызской Республики, где туберкулез остается значимой проблемой общественного здравоохра нения, внедрение системной оценки и мониторинга рисков биобезо пасности приобретает особую актуальность. Основой управления био логическими рисками является их идентификация, анализ вероятности и тяжести последствий, а также разработка стратегий контроля. Целью исследования стала разработка и внедрение системы оценки рис ков биобезопасности для лабораторий диагностики ТБ в Кыргызской Республике. Задачи включали разработку стандартных операционных процедур (СОП), мониторинг их применения, анализ результатов и формирование рекомендаций для снижения рисков внутрилаборатор ного заражения. Материалы и методы. Для оценки рисков использовалась электронная матрица, в формате Excel, основанная на рекомендациях ВОЗ (LBM4). Матрица классифицировала риски по уровням вероятности (низкая, средняя, высокая) и тяжести последствий (незначительные, умеренные, тяжелые). Результаты и обсуждение. На аналитическом этапе выявлено 7 ключе вых рисков, включая поломки оборудования (автоклавы, шкафы био логической безопасности) и ошибки персонала. На преаналитическом этапе обнаружено 6 рисков, связанных с транспортировкой и хранением образцов. На постаналитическом этапе зафиксировано 5 рисков, включая потерю данных и ошибки в документировании. Внедрены 14 мер контроля для преаналитического, 15 - для аналитического и 7 - для постаналитического этапов. Эффективность мер подтверждена сниже нием числа инцидентов. Сохраняется потребность в дополнительном финансировании для обновления инфраструктуры. Заключение. Регулярное техническое обслуживание оборудования и об учение персонала снижают вероятность возникновения критических инцидентов. Необходима адаптация международных стандартов (ISO 35001, рекомендации ВОЗ) к региональным условиям Кыргызской Рес публики. Политическая поддержка и выделение ресурсов обязательны для модернизации системы биобезопасности. Разработанные СОП и матрица оценки рисков могут служить моделью для других стран Цент ральной Азии. Introduction. Biosafety in tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic laboratories is a crit ical aspect of protecting staff, patients, and the environment from the bio logical risks associated with working with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the Kyrgyz Republic, where tuberculosis remains a significant public health problem, the introduction of a systematic assessment and monitoring of biosafety risks is becoming particularly relevant. The basis of biological risk management is their identification, analysis of the probability and severity of consequences, as well as the development of control strategies. Objective of the Study. The development and implementation of a biosafety risk assessment system for TB diagnostic laboratories in the Kyrgyz Repub lic began. The tasks included the development of standard operating proce dures (SOP), monitoring their application, analyzing the results and making recommendations to reduce the risks of intra-laboratory infection. Materials and Methods. An electronic matrix developed in excel format based on WHO recommendations (LBM4) was used to assess the risks. The matrix classified risks by levels of probability (low, medium, high) and severity of consequences (minor, moderate, severe). The main stages in cluded: collecting information on the stages of the laboratory cycle; risk as sessment with the assignment of a level; development of control measures; implementation and analysis of the effectiveness of measures. Results and Discussion. At the analytical stage, 7 key risks were identified, including equipment breakdowns (autoclaves, biological safety cabinets) and personnel errors. At the preanalytical stage, 6 risks related to the trans portation and storage of samples were identified. At the post-analytical stage, 5 risks were identified, including data loss and documentation errors. 14 control measures have been implemented for the preanalytical, 15 for the analytical and 7 for the postanalytical stages. The effectiveness of the meas ures has been confirmed by a decrease in the number of incidents, but there remains a need for additional funding to upgrade the infrastructure. Conclusion. Regular equipment maintenance and staff training reduce the likelihood of critical incidents. It is necessary to adapt international stan dards (ISO 35001, WHO recommendations) to the regional conditions of the Kyrgyz Republic. Political support and allocation of resources are es sential for the modernization of the biosafety system. The developed SOP and risk assessment matrix can serve as a model for other Central Asian countries. Киришүү. Кургак учук лабораторияларындагы биологиялык коопсуз дук персоналды, пациенттерди жана айлана-чөйрөнү кургак учук ми кобактериясы менен иштөө менен байланышкан биологиялык тобокелдиктерден коргоонун маанилүү аспектиси болуп саналат. Кур гак учук коомдук саламаттыкты сактоонун олуттуу көйгөйү бойдон ка лууда Кыргыз Республикасынын шартында биологиялык коопсуз дуктун тобокелдиктерин системалуу баалоону жана мониторингди киргизүү өзгөчө актуалдуу болуп саналат. Биологиялык тобокелдик терди башкаруунун негизи болуп аларды идентификациялоо, кесепет теринин ыктымалдуулугун жана оордугун талдоо, контролдоо страте гиясын иштеп чыгуу саналат. Изилдөөнүн максаты Кыргыз Республикасында кургак учуктун диаг ностикалык лабораториялары үчүн биокоопсуздук тобокелдигин баа лоо системасын иштеп чыгуу жана ишке ашыруу болгон. Милдеттерге стандарттык операциялык процедураларды (СОП) иштеп чыгуу, аларды колдонууга мониторинг жүргүзүү, натыйжаларды талдоо жана лабораториялык булгануу тобокелдиктерин азайтуу боюнча сунуш тарды иштеп чыгуу кирет. Материалдар жана ыкмалар. Тобокелдиктерди баалоо үчүн ДСУнун (LBM4) сунуштарына негизделген Excel форматындагы электрондук матрица колдонулган. Матрица тобокелдиктерди ыктымалдуулуктун (төмөн, орто, жогорку) жана кесепеттеринин оордугуна (майда, орточо, оор) жараша классификациялаган. Негизги этаптарга төмөнкүлөр кирет: лабораториялык циклдин этаптары боюнча маалыматтарды чо гултуу; деңгээлди берүү менен тобокелдикти баалоо; контролдоо ча раларын иштеп чыгуу; чаралардын натыйжалуулугун ишке ашыруу жана талдоо.

Operator stress factors and cell contamination risks in cell processing facilities: An online survey-based analysis.

IntroductionHandling hazardous drugs contributes to surface contamination in healthcare centres. Their decontamination has proven difficult. Surface monitoring can estimate workers exposure and raise awareness. This program aimed to describe contamination with 11 antineoplastic drugs measured on surfaces of Canadian healthcare centres and their practices, such as the use of dedicated equipment and the communication of results.MethodsEach centre sampled six standardized sites in oncology pharmacies and six in outpatient clinics. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantified cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, doxorubicine, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, irinotecan, methotrexate, paclitaxel and vinorelbine. Platinum-based soluble drugs were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Centres completed a questionnaire about their practices.Results131 Canadian hospitals participated in the program. Forty percent (615/1524) of surfaces were contaminated with at least one drug: cyclophosphamide (396/1,524, 26%), gemcitabine (291/1,524, 19%) and platinum (72/805, 9%) were the most frequent. The 90th percentile of surface concentration was 0.0086 ng/cm² for cyclophosphamide and 0.0028 ng/cm² for gemcitabine. The most contaminated sites were the front grille inside the biological safety cabinet (97/129, 75% contaminated with at least one drug) and the armrest of the treatment chair (92/124, 74%). Both sites were dedicated to hazardous drugs in the majority of centres (114/119, 96% and 91/93, 98%). Most centres (90/116, 78%) had communicated their monitoring results locally.ConclusionsSome surfaces were frequently contaminated with low concentration of antineoplastic drugs. Centres should strive to disseminate monitoring results more widely to multidisciplinary teams. These practices can help minimize contamination and ensure a safer working environment.

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs can lead to long-term adverse effects on workers' health. To describe contamination with 11 antineoplastic drugs measured on surfaces within health care centres. Centres sampled 12 standardized sites: 6 in oncology pharmacies and 6 in outpatient clinics. Samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 126 Canadian centres participated over the period January to April 2023. Cyclophosphamide (411/1476, 28%) and gemcitabine (352/1476, 24%) were frequently found on surfaces; less than 10% of samples were contaminated with the other 9 drugs. The 90th percentile of concentration was 0.0095 ng/cm2 for cyclophosphamide and 0.0040 ng/cm2 for gemcitabine. The armrest of a treatment chair (93/123, 76%) and the front grille inside the biological safety cabinet (61/123, 50%) were frequently contaminated with cyclophosphamide. This monitoring program allowed centres to benchmark their contamination and helped increased awareness. Frequent decontamination, safe handling practices, and the use of personal protective equipment are mandatory.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global infrastructure. We surveyed laboratories to analyze the changes in testing methods and procedures to improve future pandemic preparedness. Methods: This study surveyed laboratory physicians and technologists in South Korea and analyzed responses from 126 of 323 institutions. The survey was conducted in May 2023 using the proficiency test of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service and examined the diagnostic procedures, personnel, equipment, and quality control. The survey comprised 15 questions covering respondent demographics, public-private proficiency projects, COVID-19 testing procedures, and laboratory status. Results: Of the 126 laboratories, 66.7% performed bacterial smear and culture, 65.9% had biosafety level 2 facilities, and 39.7% had separate nucleic acid extraction areas. Furthermore, 98.4% of the laboratories had biological safety cabinets, the median number of PCR machines was four units, and 77.8% had autoclaves. The median numbers of personnel managing and conducting tests were one and three, respectively. Additionally, 88.1% of the laboratories found the COVID-19 proficiency test helpful, with key benefits in terms of accuracy and skill improvement. COVID-19 tests were primarily used for symptomatic or contact person testing, pre-admission screening, and periodic proactive testing. Specialized testing laboratories conducted up to 50,000 tests daily, and tertiary hospitals conducted up to 1,500 tests. Emergency, pooled, and rapid antigen tests were widely used. Most respondents wanted future tests for respiratory viruses, bacteria, and viral diarrhea, indicating a willingness to participate. Conclusion: Aggressive testing and collaboration between health agencies and laboratories are crucial for managing emerging diseases. Systematic preparations are essential to maintain and strengthen laboratory capabilities for future infectious disease outbreaks.

The information that is provided in this report is of the utmost significance for end-users, manufacturers, and certifiers of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), and it is fundamentally vital for them to have a complete comprehension of the subject matter. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of a substantial number of significant topics that are linked with BSCs. This section covers a variety of subjects, including their significance, the standard validation methods that are applied, the many types of BSCs, the calibration procedures that are utilized, and their special relevance in medical laboratories, particularly those that are participating in COVID-19 research and testing. There is a full discussion on the evaluation of the performance of BSCs that is presented in the manuscript. Procedures for cleaning and disinfection, roles and responsibilities, testing for leaks in HEPA filters, inflow and downflow velocities, airflow patterns, considerations regarding lighting and noise, safety guidelines, and operational and performance qualification checklists are some of the important aspects that are addressed in this document.

A numerical simulation-based reproducibility investigation and visualization of NSF/ANSI 49 safety performance testing of biological safety cabinets

Use of clean benches and safety cabinets

Long-term exposure to anticancer agents poses a health risk to healthcare workers and requires safety measures such as biological safety cabinets and personal protective equipment. The purpose of this study was to verify the usefulness of two anticancer drug-degrading agents,HD Protect (Secom Medical System Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) and Tripleclin (Nipro Co.Ltd., Settsu, Japan), by analyzing residual amounts of fluorouracil (5-FU), which is frequently used in real clinical practice. Wiping with HD Protect and Tripleclin showed lower 5-FU residual concentrations than wiping with control in this study, indicating that they may be suitable for higher 5-FU concentrations. This study confirms the usefulness of wiping with anticancer drug-degrading agents to reduce 5-FU residues.