Papers

Assessing the risk of handling monoclonal antibodies

By Stephen Langford, PhD, MRPharmS, Sean Fradgley, PhD, MRPharmS, Marion Evans, RGN, PGD, and Christine Blanks, BPharm, MRPharmS

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At the time of writing Stephen Langford was principal pharmacist (technical services), at University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Sean Fradgley is senior pharmacist (quality control)

Marion Evans is clinical nurse specialist (oncology research)

Christine Blanks is senior pharmacist (haematology)

all at University Hospital of North Staffordshire

Correspondence to
Stephen Langford
e-mail stephen.langford@uhb.nhs.uk

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE — To develop a risk assessment tool to inform healthcare staff about the risks associated with handling monoclonal antibodies (MABs) in a clinical setting.

METHODS — A literature review was conducted. A health and safety risk assessment tool was devised for all MABs licensed in the UK, based on the origin of the MABs, their toxicities and a risk assessment as recommended by the National Patient Safety Agency.

RESULTS — No specific data were found about the risks to healthcare staff from long-term exposure to MABs. The risk assessment tool identified two groups of MABs — those that should always be presented in a ready-to-use form sourced from pharmacy or commercial facilities, and those that may potentially be prepared in clinical areas.

CONCLUSION — The risk assessment tool described in this paper may be used to aid decisions about which MABs can be prepared in clinical areas and which must be prepared in pharmacy facilities.

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e-mail hannah.pike@pharmj.org.uk
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