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3PC-024 The validation of control method: the gravimetric analysis in cytotoxic drug preparation
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  1. L Nicolas,
  2. C Blanc,
  3. C Fercocq,
  4. L Baillet,
  5. R Linossier,
  6. JL Pons
  1. Centre Hospitalier Victor Dupouy, Pharmacy, Argenteuil, France

Abstract

Background Our production unit realises more than 35 000 cytotoxic drug preparations per year in an isolator chamber (IC). The control method is done by in-process gravimetric analysis coupled with scan identification, led by software with interactive instructions. The balances are certified once a year, yet outside the IC. Indeed, turbulent airflow could impact the scales’ measurements. The accepted errors percentages are a function of the volumes weighted.

Purpose After software development and setup, we need to validate this control method with the two components: the weighing scales and the software.

Material and methods For the weighting scales, a qualification was made inside and outside the IC with standard weights. For the validation the tests performed were fidelity, accuracy and eccentricity. Then, a comparison to visual control was performed to evaluate the bias of the balance. Six syringes with different volumes were made and then verified by a third person. Next, they were weighed 15 times to obtain the total error. For the software, a method is being developed to analyse the specificity and the sensitivity. For the specificity, an extraction of the software was done to study the forced steps (the steps refused by the software but accepted by the pharmacist because of the correct volume read) over a period of 6 months.

Results The metrological tests enable to qualify the balances. The bias of the weighing scales fluctuates between 0.94% and 4.40%. Over 6 months, 15 227 preparations were realised with a total of 1 89 334 steps including 49 180 weighing steps. Among those, there were 2023 forced steps (4.1%). The most forced cytotoxic molecules were identified. The two most forced stages were the weighing of the syringe with cytotoxic (41%) and of the final pouch (23%). The 50 ml syringe is responsible for 41% of this forced stage and, in 85% of the cases, it is because the volume to collect has a decimal value.

Conclusion Concerning the sensitivity, a method is elaborated to determine the rate of the false negatives with a fake cytotoxic preparations plan and calculated weighing errors. Our method validation plan is complete with the validation of the two components: precision scale and software.

References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.

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