What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when handling hazardous drugs?

The recommendation to use gloves, gowns, eye protection, and respiratory protection as needed when handling hazardous drugs emphasizes the importance of comprehensive protection in order to minimize the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances. Hazardous drugs can pose a significant risk to healthcare workers, and the multi-layered approach to personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to provide the greatest protection.

Gloves are essential to prevent skin contact with hazardous drugs, and they should be made of materials that offer a barrier to the specific compounds being handled, such as nitrile or latex. Gowns protect the body and clothing from contamination, especially if there is a risk of spills or splashes. Eye protection is critical for preventing exposure to harmful substances that may come into contact with the eyes, potentially leading to serious health issues. Furthermore, respiratory protection is necessary in environments where there may be aerosolized particles or vapors that could be inhaled, depending on the specific hazardous drug and the type of handling being performed.

This layered approach is consistent with the guidelines set forth in USP <800>, which outlines practices to ensure the safety of personnel handling hazardous drugs. Therefore, it is essential to utilize a combination of these protective measures to adequately safeguard against the risks associated with handling such drugs.