Chemfort® ToxiGuard® CSTD: How a Unique Drug-Binding Matrix Supports Hazardous Drug Containment

Healthcare professionals who prepare and administer hazardous drugs face ongoing occupational exposure risks from drug vapors, aerosols, and droplets. Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices (CSTDs) are designed to help reduce this risk, but effective protection requires more than simply closing the system. It requires technology that actively contains hazardous drugs while maintaining drug sterility throughout preparation and administration.

Chemfort® ToxiGuard® is a patented drug-binding matrix mechanical barrier integrated into the Chemfort® Vial Adaptor. It combines a 100% activated carbon drug-binding matrix with a 0.2 μm hydrophobic and oleophobic membrane to help contain hazardous drug vapors, aerosols and droplets while maintaining a sterile drug pathway. By combining active drug adsorption with a mechanical microbial barrier, ToxiGuard® helps lock hazardous drugs in while locking contaminants out.

Activated carbon cloth is one of the most effective materials available for adsorbing hazardous drug vapors and aerosols. Its exceptionally high adsorption capacity enables it to capture hazardous drug molecules. At the same time, the activated carbon works together with the membrane to support sterility and containment.

ToxiGuard® technology helps protect healthcare professionals while maintaining drug sterility throughout hazardous drug preparation and administration.

The activated carbon matrix contains millions of microscopic pores that create an exceptionally large internal surface area. As hazardous drug vapors, aerosols, and droplets pass through the matrix, strong adsorption forces draw them into these micropores, where they are physically trapped, helping prevent their release into the surrounding environment. This high-performance adsorption technology is capable of adsorbing up to 12,000 L of drug vapors, providing highly effective hazardous drug containment.

Activated carbon has also been shown to rupture and deactivate bacteria through strong adsorption forces, providing an additional layer of protection.

The 0.2 μm hydrophobic and oleophobic membrane acts as a sterile mechanical barrier. It prevents airborne microorganisms, viruses, particles and contaminants from entering the vial. In addition, the membrane allows sterile airflow for pressure equalization during drug preparation, while at the same time preventing liquids from escaping the system. This creates a closed workflow that preserves drug sterility and maintains operator safety.

Integrated directly into the Chemfort® Vial Adaptor, ToxiGuard® brings active hazardous drug containment to the point where it matters most. Combined with the complete Chemfort® CSTD portfolio, it delivers advanced containment technology in an intuitive, easy-to-use solution that is compatible with all known hazardous drugs, and backed by 15 years of science and peer-reviewed studies.

Chemfort® is a complete closed system drug-transfer device (CSTD) portfolio designed to support safe hazardous drug preparation and administration while minimizing occupational drug exposure. The portfolio includes vial adaptors, syringe adaptors, administration sets, and IV bag adaptors that work together to maintain a closed workflow from vial access through drug delivery.

Designed for ease of use with an ergonomic, intuitive design requiring minimal training, the Chemfort® portfolio enables up to 90% of hazardous drug preparations using just 3 SKUs, helping streamline procurement, reduce inventory complexity, and minimize pharmacy waste. Chemfort® is compatible with all known hazardous drugs, has been tested with real hazardous drugs, and helps maintain drug sterility for up to 7 days and 10 activations.

Chemfort® also offers a unique Closed Administration portfolio designed for nurses. This product line provides a safe, closed connection that reduces the risk of hazardous drug exposure for nurses and patients. The Closed Administration portfolio is brilliantly simple, cost-effective, ergonomic and requires minimal training. The system is compatible with all known hazardous drugs and administration protocols, and enables safe and efficient drug delivery.

Integrated into the Chemfort® Vial Adaptor and supported by the complete Chemfort® CSTD portfolio, ToxiGuard® provides an advanced yet practical solution for hazardous drug preparation and administration.

Download the Chemfort® ToxiGuard® brochure to explore the technology in greater detail, or watch the ToxiGuard® technology video to see its patented drug-binding mechanical barrier in action within the Chemfort® CSTD.

Routine preparation and administration of hazardous drugs can generate vapors, aerosols and droplets that contribute to occupational exposure. Over time, repeated exposure has been associated with health risks, which is why engineering controls such as Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices (CSTDs), including Chemfort®, are used to help reduce exposure as part of a comprehensive hazardous drug safety strategy.

Maintaining sterility is essential for protecting patients from microbial contamination during sterile compounding and drug administration. Chemfort® combines active hazardous drug containment with technologies that help preserve a sterile drug pathway throughout the preparation and administration process.

Many healthcare organizations prefer a single CSTD platform that supports the complete workflow from vial preparation through drug administration. An integrated solution such as Chemfort® can simplify staff training, reduce inventory complexity and promote consistent clinical practice across both pharmacy and nursing departments.