Follow the 4 Cs if Your Chemo Leaks or Spills

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This information is a quick guide for what to do if your chemotherapy medication leaks or spills.

Step 1: Clamp

  • Put on 2 pairs of disposable gloves.
  • Put on a disposable face mask.
  • Clamp the tubing.
  • If you have a pump, turn it off.

Step 2: Contain

  • Put the chemo container and tubing in a plastic bag.
  • Put clothes, bed sheets, and towels that have chemo on them in another plastic bag. If you cannot wash them right away, seal the bag.
  • Soak up the spill with paper towels.

Step 3: Clean

  1. Clean up the spill.
    • Wash the area with dish soap or laundry detergent and water.
    • Put dirty paper towels and cleaning supplies in the plastic bag with the chemo.
  2. If the chemo got on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
  3. Wash your clothing, bed sheets, and towels in hot water. Do not wash them with any other items.
  4. Take off your gloves. Put them in the bag with the chemo. Seal the bag tightly. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Step 4: Call

Call your doctor’s office right away for more instructions.

If you’re not sure what number to call, call 212-639-2000.

Spill Kit

Make a spill kit that has the supplies below. Keep the kit where you can easily reach it.

Supplies

  • 2 pairs of disposable gloves.
  • 1 disposable facemask.
  • Paper towels or an absorbent towel that can be thrown away.
  • Dish soap or laundry detergent.
  • 2 plastic bags that seal (1 gallon size or larger).

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Last Updated

Thursday, July 21, 2022