Baxa Corporation Introduces PhaSeal®, The Only Closed System For Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs
Traditional assumptions about safe drug handling are challenged by recent studies of U.S. and Canadian drug preparation facilities conducted by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and others. These studies confirm European findings that, despite existing protective measures, there persists widespread surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs in the workplace and employee exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic particulates and vapors. Results show that the PhaSeal(r) System, now distributed in the U.S. by Baxa Corporation can reduce or eliminate human exposure to cancer chemotherapy drugs.
Englewood, CO (PRWEB) June 26, 2003 -- Baxa Corporation introduces the only
closed system for handling antineoplastic drugs that has been documented to
reduce or eliminate human exposure to toxic hazards in the workplace. The new
system, called PhaSeal(r), is manufactured in Sweden by Carmel Pharma ab, and is
distributed in the United States exclusively by Baxa Corporation per an
agreement announced in December.
The PhaSeal System consists of a set of
disposable containment devices that connect the original drug vial, syringe and
IV injection or infusion set together into a completely sealed pathway. The
system's double membrane prevents drug leakage and keeps the connections dry. A
built-in expansion chamber equalizes system pressure to prevent the release of
toxic aerosols and vapors. Because PhaSeal is a closed system, hazardous drugs
are contained throughout the entire process of drug transfer, preparation,
transport, administration and disposal.
PhaSeal's unique drug containment
technology is a new approach to safe drug handling, according to Agneta Ekblad,
RN, Vice President, Oncology Solutions for Baxa Corporation. "Traditional
thinking relied on containing employees within gowns, masks and gloves in case
of drug leakage, which research has shown doesn't fully protect them." she says.
"PhaSeal puts the focus on containing hazardous drugs to prevent leakage, so
employees don't have to worry so much about their protective
gear."
Traditional assumptions about safe drug handling were challenged
by studies of U.S. and Canadian drug preparation facilities conducted by the
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and others. These studies confirmed European
findings that, despite existing protective measures, there persisted widespread
surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs in the workplace and employee
exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic particulates and vapors.
In
response, M.D. Anderson decided to evaluate the new PhaSeal closed-system
technology based on the record of its successful use in Europe. Studies
conducted at M.D. Anderson and other U.S. hospitals demonstrated its efficacy in
preventing release of hazardous substances during the drug handling process.
"Our results showed that we can reduce or eliminate human exposure to cancer
chemotherapy drugs by using the PhaSeal System," says Roger W. Anderson,
Pharm.D., Head, Division of Pharmacy at M.D. Anderson.
These results led
M.D. Anderson to became the first U.S. hospital to adopt the PhaSeal System.
"We've already implemented the PhaSeal System for all doses prepared and
administered in our hospital," Dr. Anderson says. "We're convinced it will
greatly enhance workplace safety for our employees."
Other major U.S.
hospitals now using the PhaSeal System include Dana Farber Cancer Institute,
Stanford University Medical Center, and the University of Utah Hospitals and
Clinics.
About Baxa Corporation:
As a leading provider of devices and
systems for the preparation, handling, packaging, and administration of liquid
medications, Baxa manufactures and markets a wide range of healthcare products
for use in hospitals, critical care units and alternate-site pharmacies.
Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, Baxa has subsidiaries and sales offices in
Canada, the United Kingdom; Denmark, and Germany; and distribution partners
worldwide. Further information is available at http://www.baxa.com
About Carmel Pharma ab:
The
PhaSeal System is manufactured in Sweden by Carmel Pharma ab of Göteborg,
Sweden. Introduced in Europe in 1994, the PhaSeal System is now used in most
Swedish hospitals, with its benefits documented by a significant body of
scientific research on the health risks associated with the preparation and
administration of cytotoxic drugs. The PhaSeal System is protected by a
comprehensive patent portfolio in the U.S., European Union and Japan. For more
information on Carmel Pharma, please visit http://www.carmelpharma.se
Click the following link to
view a presentation by Jim Jorgenson "Using a Closed System Device to Reduce
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs." Jorgenson is Director of Pharmacy for
the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Associate Dean for Professional Affairs at the
University of Utah:
http://www.isips.org/presentations/PhaSeal/player.html
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/6/prweb70450.htm