Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinet (CDSC) Service

Cytotoxic drug safety cabinets (CDSC) are critical in sterility and safety for operators, maintenance personnel and the product. Regular testing of all cabinets should be completed at least once a year to ensure their longevity and functionality.

Some of our specialist services include:

  • Accredited Testing and Certification: In accordance with recognised BS EN and ISO standards for cytotoxic drug safety cabinets.
  • Mechanical Inspection: This includes the motor/ blower unit, vibration mountings, switch functions, gaskets, pre-filters and HEPA filters.
  • Check for System Integrity:  HEPA filter integrity and leak testing to verify containment performance.
  • Ensure the work area is not violated by room air:  Test for induced air leakage in the work zone.
  • Prevent cross contamination in the work area: check and adjust air velocity and uniformity of airflows.
  • Establish HEPA filter life and performance:  measure static pressure of filters and electronic motor current.
  • Check environment factors:  measure light output, sound level and germicidal ultraviolet lamp efficiency.
  • Repair and adjust to specification:  when necessary and whenever possible, on-site repairs are included in our services.


Application

Cytotoxic Drug Safety cabinets (CDSC)  are designed for applications where cytotoxic materials are being used, offering Product, Personnel and Technician protection.

Personnel

Protection of personnel and the immediate surroundings from aerosols, particles or vapours, which may be liberated in the preparation, manipulation and compounding of hazardous products.

Products

Protection of products so that they can be manipulated or compounded aseptically in a clean, controlled environment.

Maintenance

Protection of maintenance and testing personnel from exposure to toxic materials that ,may be found in cabinet filters and internal cabinet surfaces.

It is important to note that Class I & II Biological Safety Cabinets are unsuitable for handling cytotoxic materials that are not inactivated by routine decontamination. This is why it is critical to engage a specialist Service Company such as AES Environmental who is not only familiar with BSC cabinets but also aware of the additional requirements unique to maintaining CDSC cabinets.

TESTING STANDARDS

Critical performance tests

Filter Installation Integrity: HEPA Filter integrity is verified through recognised leak and integrity testing methods to confirm correct installation and ensure leak-free filtration performance.

Containment at the aperture: Containment performance at the cabinet opening is assessed to verify effective operator protection and maintain a stable air barrier.

Work Zone Integrity: The cabinet work area is tested to ensure protection from external contamination and support safe handling within the working environment.

Air velocity and uniformity in the workzone: Airflow velocity and uniformity are measured to verify consistent performance and maintain stable operating conditions throughout the work zone.

Alarm Operational Adjustment: Tested in accordance to preset systems by the manufacturer.

Particle counts: Particle counts are tested at the working positions of the workzone to ISO 14644.1

Operator comfort and safety tests

Vibration: Cabinet vibration levels are measured to verify stable operation and minimise disruption during use.

Sound Level: Noise levels are assessed to ensure comfortable operation and suitability for laboratory and controlled environments.

Lighting: Work zone illumination is measured to confirm adequate visibility and support safe, accurate operation.

Ultraviolet radiation: Where fitted, UV lamp performance is tested to verify radiation intensity and ensure effective operation.

Carbon filter

All cytotoxic Drug safety cabinets should have a carbon filter fitted to the exhaust of the cabinet to filter 100% of exhaust air volume.

Carbon filters should be replaced annually or in the event of a high risk spill. Please note, removal of all filters should follow the appropriate procedure (see next page for more information regarding disposal/removal).

Filter disposal

Before HEPA a contaminated HEPA is removed, it should be sprayed with an adhesive to trap hazardous material on the filter. After the sealing plate is fitted over the filter face, seal the edges of the sealing plate to ensure all contaminated surfaces of the gasket and filter casting are effectively covered.

To ensure cytotoxic waste is disposed of safely, ALL filters (including HEPA filters, Activated carbon filters and pre-filters) within the Cytotoxic cabinets need to be disposed in the following procedure:

  1. Enclosed filters in a suitable plastic bag, which is then sealed.
  2. Place in a protective bag/carton and seal again
  3. There should be a label on the cart which reads “CAUTION: CYTOTOXIC WASTE. DISPOSE BY HIGH-TEMPERATURE INCINERATION ONLY”
  4. Please note, all HEPA filters (including room exhaust HEPA should be considered as contaminated cytotoxic waste and should be handled/ disposed in the same manner).

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