working w/chemo and pregnancy

jemb · Dec 3, 2003

I found this on the OSHA site. (CDs =cytotoxic drugs):

3. Pregnancy. On the basis of the available evidence, it seems

reasonable to assume that if appropriate procedures are followed,

and proper equipment and protection are provided, reproductive

hazards will be reduced.

a. Employees should be fully informed of the potential

reproductive hazard and, if they so request, staff members who

are pregnant or breast-feeding should be transferred to

comparable duties that do not involve handling CDs.

b. A similar policy covering male or female personnel who are

actively trying to conceive a child should be established.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2003

We never allowed a preggo to give chemo let alone mix. We used to do some of the mixing on the floor which was not good at all. All stuff finally came from pharmacy.

I would not want to give/mix any but I am supper protective.

renerian

julieK · Feb 4, 2004

I know this thread hasn't been active in a while, but I am a new RN on an onc. floor and will start the process of getting certified in hanging chemo drugs. I am 12 weeks pregnant, and asked my OB who said he didn't see any problem dealing with the chemo drugs since there's nothing airborne, and I'm not likely to get the stuff all over my hands. I still am nervous since I am hearing all of these opinions that folks would be more cautious than that. What are the real dangers?

-Julie

renerian, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2004

Do you have a hood? I remember mixing without one.

renerian

julieK · Feb 5, 2004

We don't mix chemo at all as far as I know. It comes premixed from pharmacy.

-Julie

adria37 · Feb 18, 2004

We don't mix chemo at all as far as I know. It comes premixed from pharmacy.
-Julie

I would not give or be around it. Oncology nurses have a higher rate of miscarriage and birth defects. I just read a couple of articles about it. The chemo can be airborne from clearing the lines spiking the bags clearing the air out of syrienges. Do a search on it you will find peer reviewed scientific articles about this. Adria