What Is a Closed System Drug Transfer Device?

Transferring drugs from one container to another is not as easy as it might seem. Environmental contaminants can actually alter the combination and configuration of the ingredients within the solution. Furthermore, certain harmful drugs can actually escape into the air and can lead to major hazards. Therefore, when transferring specific drugs from one place to another, a closed system drug transfer device is generally used.

The device was originally used for CSTD hazardous drugs, and the first warnings were published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Studies showed increases in miscarriages and fatal diseases like cancer among people who worked with hazardous drugs. Exposure to these drugs can also cause disabilities in unborn children. As a result, scientists, researchers and physicians are now required to make use of proper transferring systems. Otherwise, the chances of abortions and missed pregnancies, not to mention deformed children. These devices are used mainly to prevent leakage or to allow environmental issues in such a sensitive environment.

How Does It Work?
The closed system drug transfer device can usually be placed on top of a container. The size of the device varies, though most of these devices are quite portable. They are used for transferring CSTD hazardous drugs and injections. The design of the transfer device is very important, since it must be fully air-tight and waterproof. If even a little bit of air is able to pass through, the whole purpose of the device would be ruined. Today, you can opt to buy a regular transfer device from a medical store. However, if there’s a serious issue, you might need a custom designed package.

There are several companies that allow you to buy a custom transfer device. Since these devices are mostly used in the pharmaceutical industry, the efficiency and leakage levels of the product tend to vary based on the application. Some higher-end transfer devices obviously contain more features, while smaller devices are mostly popular in small-scale industries and large homes. You should always check the specifications before buying.