Monitor contamination with cytostatic drugs in an efficient and reliable way
Order surface wipe test kits from AHZ Farmacie
Reliable surface wipe testing is important for the safety of healthcare personnel and patients. AHZ Farmacie provides a simple solution useful for companies or pharmacies working on preparation, and for health care personnel who are treating patients with cytostatic drugs. The kits are easy to use and with the provided instructions, anyone can perform the surface wipe sampling themselves.
What are surface wipe tests?
Wipe tests are an essential tool for monitoring surface contamination. They are often used in areas where cytostatic drugs are used to monitor working procedures during and after preparation, handling, or when an incident (leakage or spill) occurs.
Cytostatic drugs are hazardous substances to which exposure in work environments must be prevented. Monitoring cytostatic contamination contributes to the safety of (health care)personnel and patients.
At AHZ Farmacie laboratory, wipe test analysis are performed with care and precision according to the highest standards, using modern analytical techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP).
AHZ Farmacie guarantees reliable results, enabling rapid and well-founded decisions.
Surface monitoring of cytostatic contamination
It is important to establish which surfaces and objects are at risk of contamination. The ‘European Guidance for the safe management of hazardous medical products at work’ [1] advises safe handling and cleaning of cytostatic drugs must be checked periodically by means of surface wipe tests.
Surface wipe testing is suitable after working with cytostatic drugs to validate cleaning procedures and after an incident.
AHZ Farmacie has developed three kits: a standard kit, a 5-FU kit and an etoposide/mitomycin kit with dedicated non-toxic solvent. The surface wipe kits are easy to use with the provided instructions. The procedure and limits are validated based on a smooth surface (20×20 cm). Non-standard surfaces (e.g. doorhandle, bed-railing and/or remote control) are also suitable for wiping.
Local cleaning procedures can be evaluated through periodic monitoring and prevent accumulation of contaminants. AHZ Farmacie offers the opportunity to participate in periodic monitoring twice a year at a reduced rate.
[1]. Guidance for the safe management of hazardous medicinal products at work – European Commission; https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/guidance-safe-management-hazardous-medicinal-products-work_en#details; 28-april-2023
Surface wipe test kits
Standard kit
- Cyclophosphamide
- Cytarabine
- Gemcitabine
- Ifosphamide
- Methotrexate
- Platinum*
*Request incl. platinum, centrifuge the samples within 24h.
5-FU kit
- 5-Fluoruracil
- Cyclophosphamide
- Methotrexate
Etoposide/Mitomycin kit
- Etoposide
- Mitomycin*
*Mitomycin is a light-sensitive drug. In case of an incident, take an immediate sample.
How does it work?
Step 1
Complete the online order form
Step 2
After receiving the order, kits are assembled and shipped
Step 3
Applicant receives the kits, performs the wipe sampling, completes the application form and returns the kits free of charge
Step 4
Laboratory receives the kits and performs the analysis
Step 5
Report via email
Wipe test analyses are done according to the highest standards, ensuring accurate and reliable results
AHZ Farmacie is expanding its range of cytostatic drug analyses. The trend of cytostatic drug use in healthcare and customer demand are examined to develop methods for new cytostatics, such as taxanes and to optimize current analyses using advanced LC-MS systems.
The laboratory is dedicated to be involved in research projects and recently participated in an inter-laboratory comparison study in which accuracy, precision and reproducibility of the wipe procedure was tested [2].
[2]. R.B. van den Berg et al. (2025); Surface Wipe Sampling of Hazardous Medicinal Products: A European Interlaboratory Comparison Study; Drug Testing and Analysis; 0; 1-10; https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3902
