Valutazione del grado di permeabilità di diversi tipi di guanti nei confronti di Doxorubicina ed Epirubicina

The degree of permeability of different gloves towards doxorubicin and epirubicin was performed, considering different deposition times both at physiological and acid drug solution pH, to evaluate the gloves protection efficacy when used by sanitary staff and other professionals, as chemical laboratory technicians. Four types of gloves were tested, differing regarding materials and/or thickness: natural rubber gloves, 0.1mm, by two different producers and nitrile gloves, 0.1 and 0.3mm. Results of experiments at physiological pH evidenced the efficacy of all gloves tested: the two analytes were not present on gloves’ internal surfaces up to 8hrs contact time. Experiments performed at acid pH evidenced a different behaviour of the two materials tested: while natural rubber gloves still ensured complete impermeability, nitrile gloves’ performances were different depending on their thickness. Nitrile gloves of 0.3mm ensured complete impermeability, while 0.1mm ones showed a non-negligible permeability: after 8hrs 0.56% of doxorubicin and 2.4% epirubicin permeated the glove. Obtained results have important consequences in planning a correct Risk Management strategy, since evidenced the crucial role played by drug solution pH on gloves’ impermeability: for workers who have to handle acid solution of the two anthracyclines, natural rubber or nitrile gloves of high thickness must be adopted.