When receiving hazardous drugs, USP 800 requires which item to be worn?

• A. Latex gloves
• B. Chemo gloves
• C. Nitrile gloves
• D. No gloves

Answer: (B)

Handling hazardous drugs requires a barrier that is specifically rated for chemotherapy exposure. USP 800 mandates wearing chemotherapy gloves whenever you are receiving, unpacking, or manipulating hazardous drugs, because these gloves have been tested to resist permeation by cytotoxic agents. Regular latex or non–chemotherapy-rated gloves are not guaranteed to provide that level of protection, and using no gloves would leave you exposed. Chemo gloves are available in materials like latex or nitrile, but the essential point is that they are certified for chemotherapy protection. Using gloves that meet this chemotherapy-rated standard (often tested for permeation resistance, such as through ASTM procedures) gives you the appropriate barrier at the point of receipt.