Cytostatics

Cytostatic drugs are a group of drugs that are mainly used as a treatment for various cancer diseases. All waste from a cytostatic laboratory, e.g. solutions and consumables such as protective clothing, gloves, syringes and cannulas are classified as hazardous waste.

Solutions containing cytostatics, cytostatic drugs in original packaging or ready-to-use solutions should be placed in laboratory waste containers.

Consumables that are contaminated with cytostatics are first placed in sealable plastic bags before being placed in laboratory waste containers. Sharps waste such as needles and syringes should be placed in puncture-proof containers.

The laboratory waste container caps must be hermetically sealed (makes a click sound when properly closed). Plastic bags in waste cartons must be sealed with cable ties or equivalent. Laboratory waste containers should be clean on the outside and broken containers must not be used.

The laboratory waste containers for cytostatics should be labeled with:

• Name and phone number of the person responsible for the waste
• Delivering department and/or unit
• Cytostatics and specify which type