Chemotherapy Preparation

All Chemotherapy Preparation Must Be Sterile, Accurate, and Timely.

Your chemotherapy medication is prepared right here in the Cancer Center by specially trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The technician or pharmacist stands in front of a piece of equipment called a Biological Safety Cabinet to make the chemotherapy. The chemotherapy is made inside this cabinet for two reasons. The first reason is to keep the chemotherapy preparation sterile (germ-free). The second reason is to limit the contact between the chemotherapy particles and the pharmacy staff.

Sterile

The chemotherapy must be sterile (germ-free), so you do not get an infection by the chemotherapy as it is administered into your body.

Accurate

The chemotherapy must be made accurately, which means that it is made exactly as your doctor orders. It must be the correct drug and the correct dose. The fluid that contains the drug must be correct. Also, the chemotherapy must be labeled accurately to include the necessary information.

Timely

The chemotherapy must be made in a timely manner, which also guarantees sterility and accuracy.

Remember, timely does not mean “as fast as possible.” Timely means the least amount of time that still produces an accurate and sterile product.