RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Medication errors associated with anticancer agents may cause fatal events. Therefore, exact verification of the prescription order and accurate preparation of the mixture of anticancer injections are required for safe management in cancer chemotherapy. METHODS: A computer-assisted biohazard safety cabinet was newly developed for verification and preparation of anticancer agents. Using a barcode reader, information on prescription orders was transmitted from an electronic medical record to the computer system installed in the safety cabinet. The computer was controlled using a 3-button foot switch, which avoided interruption of the mixing procedure. A monitor on the cabinet wall displayed the required amounts of anticancer injections and any special information for the dissolution or mixing procedure. The names of anticancer agents were verified using a personal digital assistant and the volume of injection taken, which was automatically converted to weight on the basis of the specific gravity of anticancer solution, was recorded on the computer through a digital scale. RESULTS: Accuracy and efficiency in mixing anticancer injections were compared between procedures with and without the present apparatus. Errors in the amounts were much smaller and the time spent in preparation was significantly shorter using the present apparatus. CONCLUSIONS: The present computer-assisted biohazard safety cabinet for preparation of the mixture of anticancer agents is considered to be potentially useful for the safe management in cancer chemotherapy.