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Drug Dilution Unit

Email: info@medihospital.com.cy

Telephone:

25200121
Description
Services
FAQ
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The Drug Dilution Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus is a specialised, high-standard pharmaceutical unit designed for the safe and accurate preparation of injectable cytotoxic drugs, biological agents, and other specialised therapies that require strict handling and control conditions.

The operation of the Unit is based on international standards of quality, safety, and pharmaceutical practice, ensuring:

  • maximum patient safety
  • the correct and accurate preparation of treatments
  • protection of healthcare personnel
  • full compliance with international standards for cleanliness and the management of hazardous pharmaceutical substances

The Unit features certified high-cleanliness facilities and has been accredited by an external organisation as a Category B Cleanroom Unit, confirming that its design and operation are fully aligned with modern international quality and safety standards.

The Cytotoxic Drug Preparation Unit supports:

  • the Oncology Department
  • the Day Care Unit
  • inpatient wards
  • as well as other specialised clinical services of the hospital

providing safe and organised management of specialised pharmaceutical therapies.

For Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, it is an uncompromising priority that the optimal effectiveness of the treatments administered to patients is combined with the highest possible level of safety for:

  • medical staff
  • pharmacy staff
  • nursing staff
  • as well as the support and cleaning personnel of the Unit.

The Drug Dilution Unit features state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and technological equipment, designed according to the strictest international standards for the handling and preparation of cytotoxic and biological medications.

The Unit includes:

  • specially designed controlled-cleanliness areas
  • certified clean air and controlled pressure systems
  • Biological Safety Cabinets
  • aseptic drug preparation equipment
  • advanced pharmaceutical control and traceability systems
  • digital recording and monitoring of procedures
  • as well as full integration with the hospital’s information systems

The Unit’s advanced technological infrastructure enables:

  • accurate and safe preparation of treatments
  • minimisation of contamination risks
  • protection of patients and healthcare personnel
  • compliance with the strictest international standards of pharmaceutical safety and quality.

The Drug Dilution Unit is staffed by specialised Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Healthcare Scientists, and highly trained technical and nursing personnel with experience in the management and preparation of cytotoxic and biological therapies.

The team of the Drug Dilution Unit works closely with:

  • Oncologists
  • Haematologists
  • Oncology Nurses
  • Inpatient wards
  • As well as other specialised services of the hospital

ensuring the safe, timely, and effective administration of treatments to patients.

The continuous training of personnel, the strict implementation of international safety protocols, and the ongoing quality assessment of procedures demonstrate the commitment of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus to providing high-level oncology and specialised pharmaceutical services, with absolute respect for safety, quality, and compassionate patient care.

Services

Quality and Safety

Based on the strict quality standards and predefined procedures followed during the operation of the Drug Dilution Unit at Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, the aim is to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to patients and minimise the risk of staff exposure to cytotoxic and other hazardous medications.

 

Dispensing and Dilution of Medications

In the pharmacy area, where the required injectable medications for cancer treatment and other conditions are stored, the Hospital Pharmacist verifies the accuracy of the treatment protocol and the doses calculated for each patient, based on the treating physician’s instructions, and transfers them to the preparation room.

In the pre-preparation room, Pharmacy Technicians, in collaboration with the Head Nurse of the Oncology Department, receive and check the medication tray containing the drugs required for each treatment protocol. The medications and infusion solutions to be used during the dilution process are then prepared.

In the dilution room, after verifying the correspondence between the medications and the treatment protocol, the injectable medications are diluted and transferred into the appropriate parenteral solutions inside a specialised cabinet, which ensures the protection of the product, the operator, and the surrounding environment.

Once the medication dilution process is completed, the final diluted product is checked in the pharmacy by the Pharmacist to ensure that the correct medication is administered to the correct patient, at the correct dose.

Implementation of Protocols

Spatially, the Hospital’s Drug Dilution Unit consists of changing rooms, the pharmacy, the pre-preparation room, and the dilution room. All areas are arranged in a continuous, adjacent layout and communicate through a controlled access system. They are designed in such a way as to ensure a safe working environment, both for the protection of personnel handling these medications and for the protection of patients receiving the final diluted product from potential microbial contamination.

In the changing rooms, hand washing and the use of appropriate protective equipment are carried out by the personnel staffing the Drug Dilution Unit.

The operation of the Drug Dilution Unit is based on strict procedures and protocols, which are faithfully followed by specialised and trained personnel. Specifically, a “value chain” is created, aiming to ensure complete quality control of the final product that will be administered to the pat

International Quality Standards

The International Standards followed in the Drug Dilution Unit relate to controlled conditions of pressure, humidity, temperature, and air exchange, ensuring the highest level of safety for both the personnel involved in the preparation of injectable anticancer and other medications, as well as the aseptic preparation of the final diluted product.

FAQ

What is the Drug Dilution Unit?

The Drug Dilution Unit is a specialised pharmaceutical unit where the safe preparation of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biological agents, and other specialised injectable pharmaceutical preparations requiring specific handling conditions is carried out.

Why are treatments not prepared directly in the inpatient departments?

Cytotoxic and biological agents require a strictly controlled environment, specialised equipment, and specially trained personnel. Their preparation in a certified Drug Dilution Unit ensures maximum accuracy, quality, and safety for both patients and healthcare personnel.

Who works in the Drug Dilution Unit?

The Unit is staffed by specialised Hospital Pharmacists and appropriately trained Nursing Personnel, who have experience in the management and preparation of specialised pharmaceutical therapies.

How is the correct dose ensured for each patient?

Each treatment is prepared exclusively for the specific patient, according to the treating physician’s instructions and following multiple checks by the pharmacy team. Double and triple verification procedures are applied before administration.

How safe is the treatment preparation process?

The process strictly follows international quality and safety protocols. All stages of preparation are carried out in specially designed controlled-cleanliness areas, with continuous monitoring of environmental conditions.

What does it mean that the Unit has been certified by external consultants?

Certification by independent external evaluators confirms that the Unit’s infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and personnel meet the highest standards of quality and safety in accordance with international specifications.

Which medications are prepared in the Unit?

The Unit prepares:

  • Chemotherapy medications
  • Immunotherapies
  • Targeted anticancer therapies
  • Biological agents
  • Specialised injectable pharmaceutical preparations
  • Treatments requiring specific handling and protection conditions.
What are the benefits for the patient?

The operation of the Unit ensures:

  • Absolute accuracy in dosage
  • Maximum medication stability and effectiveness
  • Minimisation of the possibility of errors
  • A high level of quality control
  • Safe administration of treatment.
How is the cleanliness of the environment ensured?

The Unit operates in a controlled-cleanliness environment with specialised air filtration systems, controlled pressure conditions, and continuous environmental monitoring in accordance with international operating standards.

Does the Unit collaborate with the Oncology Department?

Yes. The Unit collaborates daily with the Department of Medical Oncology, the Hospital Pharmacy, the Nursing Service, and the treating physicians to ensure the safe and timely administration of treatments.

Who monitors the quality of the processes?

Quality is continuously monitored by the Hospital Pharmacy, the Hospital Administration, the relevant quality committees, and external evaluators who conduct regular audits and inspections.

Why is the presence of a specialised Drug Dilution Unit within the Hospital important?

The presence of the Unit enables complete quality control, close collaboration with clinical teams, and the immediate preparation of personalised treatments, providing higher levels of safety and effectiveness for patients.

What distinguishes the Drug Dilution Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus?

The Unit combines specialised personnel, modern facilities, certified procedures, advanced equipment, and strict quality standards. The external evaluation and certification of its infrastructure and processes confirm the commitment of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus to providing high-quality healthcare services, with a focus on patient safety and quality of care.

Does the patient need to take any action before their treatment is prepared?

No. All preparation and verification procedures are carried out by the Hospital’s therapeutic team. The patient is informed by the treating physician and nursing staff about each stage of their treatment.