My concern with this topic is it would appear you are worried about exposure, but would you not worry about that exposure to a non-pregnant person or for that matter, anyone doing that job? The PPE you describe is our normal PPE for this function. I would not see this as different than what any employee would be using doing this job at our facility?
Bruce E. Cunha RN MS COHN-S
Manager, Employee Health and Safety
Marshfield Clinic
Marshfield WI.
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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of Cassano Victoria
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2014 11:07 AM
To: Medical Center Occupational Health listserv (mcoh-eh@mylist.net)
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Pregnancy in a pharmacist working with Chemo agents
I just removed a first trimester G2P1 female from work as a pharmacist in the Cancer center; essentially stating no exposure to chemo agents during first trimester.
But, also added that if absolutely necessary she could work if gowned and double gloved with second glove over gown; face shield and impermeable apron.
This has created a major outcry from management.
The pharmacy has a closed system and the pharmacist is not compounding; the techs do that; but a recent surface swipe test showed detectible levels of fluorouracil and docetaxel in areas outside the BSC.
Am I wrong here?
Thanks
Victoria A. Cassano, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Occupational Health
413-447- 2684