Safeguarding Patients, Relatives, and Nurses: A Screening Approach for Detecting 5-FU Residues on Elastomeric Infusion Pumps Using HPLC-DAD

• DOI: 10.3390/toxics13050416
• Publication Date: 2025-05-21T17:59:43Z
• Authors: Andreia Cardoso; Ângelo Jesus; Luísa Barreiros; Daniel Carvalho; Maria dos Anjos Sá; Susana Carvalho; Patrícia Correia; Fernando Moreira

Background/Objectives: The leakage of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from elastomeric infusion pumps used in cancer therapy poses a potential risk unintentional exposure to multiple individuals, including patients’ relatives and healthcare professionals, may also compromise the accurate administration 5-FU dosages patients. This study aimed develop, validate, apply an analytical method detect quantify residues on external surfaces pumps. Methods: A high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was optimized for quantification contamination across different components pump, hard casing, tubing, catheter connection port. mobile phase containing 5 % acetic acid obtain more efficient separation performed at 260 nm. evaluated linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, stability. Results: demonstrated linearity within range 0.150 3.000 µg/cm2, limits 0.05 µg/cm2 0.14 respectively. Relative standard deviations ranged 1.8% 12.7%, accuracy exceeded 85%. In real sample analysis, detectable were found around Conclusions: screening-oriented addresses existing gap, as previous reports based solely self-reported user observations. highlights critical need safe handling practices consistent use personal protective equipment (PPE) protect workers, especially nursing staff involved removal pumps, after treatment.