Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Preventing exposure to hazardous drugs is crucial for healthcare workers to avoid health risks. To mitigate healthcare workers' risks when handling hazardous drugs, we developed a novel closed-system drug-transfer device (CSTD) called CSTD(JLY). This CSTD has an automatic pressure-relief structure. Hence, it can significantly decrease the resistance in the push/pull of a piston rod if an operator transfers drugs, thereby reducing the burden on the hands of the operator during drug transfer. METHODS: We investigated the closed performance of the novel CSTD (JLY) by comparing it with the performance of a syringe. We selected a simulation drug (fluorescein sodium), commonly used drugs (lansoprazole, nimodipine, and tropisetron), and a commonly used anti-cancer agent (cyclophosphamide) to conduct exposure evaluation. RESULTS: Compared with a syringe, CSTD(JLY) could reduce drug leakage significantly. Our novel CSTD with an automatic pressure-relief structure had superior closed performance. CSTD(JLY) could solve the problem of liquid-drug leakage during drug transfer. CONCLUSION: This feature could reduce the exposure risk healthcare workers and patients.