Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used when handling chemotherapy agents?

When handling chemotherapy agents, specific personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to ensure safety from the potential hazards these powerful drugs present. Chemotherapy agents can be highly toxic and are absorbed through the skin, so using appropriate PPE is crucial to protect both the healthcare worker and the environment.

Specific PPE for chemotherapy handling typically includes chemotherapy gloves, gowns, and sometimes eye protection, all of which are specifically designed to resist permeation by these agents. This specialized equipment is often made from materials that provide a barrier against hazardous drugs, reducing the risk of contamination and exposure.

Using standard lab coats or generic gloves is inadequate because they may not provide the necessary protection against the drug's absorption and potential harmful effects. Likewise, the assumption that no PPE is necessary is not acceptable given the risks associated with exposure to chemotherapy agents, which can lead to severe health consequences for those handling them. Thus, specific PPE for chemotherapy handling is the recommended and required practice in any healthcare setting that manages these medications.