Simultaneous Determination of Residual Contamination of Eight Antineoplastic on Surfaces by HILIC Chromatography Coupled to High‐Resolution Spectrometry

TL;DR

A new method using HILIC chromatography and high-resolution spectrometry detects antineoplastic drug contamination and unknown compounds on hospital surfaces, improving safety monitoring.

Contribution

The study introduces a rapid, sensitive analytical method for detecting multiple antineoplastic drugs and unknown contaminants on hospital surfaces.

Findings

The method quantified eight antineoplastic drugs with limits of quantification below 0.04 ng/cm².

Contamination was detected on 22 out of 28 surfaces tested in a hospital oncology unit.

Unknown compounds, including a cleaning detergent-related molecule, were identified, indicating complex contamination sources.

Abstract

Residual contamination by intravenous antineoplastic drugs on hospital surfaces remains a critical concern, as highlighted by numerous studies. This study presents a novel, rapid and highly sensitive analytical method for quantifying a wide range of antineoplastic drugs and detecting other potentially harmful molecules on wiped surfaces. Utilizing hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled with high‐resolution spectrometry, the method combines the quantification of eight commonly used antineoplastic drugs: 5‐fluorouracil, ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide, gemcitabine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, epirubicin and irinotecan, with the identification of unknown compounds offering a comprehensive solution for monitoring hospital surface contamination. While HILIC‐MS/MS has been extensively applied in various matrices, its use for surface contamination monitoring in healthcare settings has been relatively underexplored. Chromatographic separation was achieved using gradient elution on an HILIC ZORBAX 120 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 4 µm), enabling rapid analysis within 8 min. The method demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieving limits of quantification below 0.04 ng/cm2 for all targeted molecules. Applied to 28 surfaces in the day hospital of a medical oncology unit at a French hospital, the method revealed contamination on 22 surfaces with at least one antineoplastic drug. Additionally, unknown molecules, including a compound associated with cleaning detergents, were detected, highlighting the complexity of hospital surface contamination underscoring the ongoing risks faced by healthcare workers and patients. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in analytical chemistry and hospital hygiene monitoring, providing a faster, more efficient and versatile alternative to traditional techniques, as it allows 5‐FU quantification within the same run time with other molecules. By addressing critical gaps in current methodologies, this study offers valuable insights into occupational safety and supports efforts to reduce exposure risks for healthcare workers and patients. Further research is needed to identify the unknown molecules detected and fully assess their potential risks.

Figures