Degree of Biohazard When Handling Botulinum Toxin as A Medication

Abstract

Introduction: The use of the toxin as a medication constitutes a biological risk, due to the presence of the toxin, as well as the potential improper use.

Objective: To evaluate the degree of biological risk when Handling botulinum toxin as a medication.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at the International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba, in 2017. A biological risk checklist was applied to six professionals from the botulinum toxin treatment area. The integrated result of the checklist was analyzed through ERBIO semi-quantitative method.

Results: The probability was classified as medium. Compliance with containment measures was assessed as acceptable and the exposure was considered as very frequent.

Conclusions: A tolerable degree of biological risk was found when manipulating botulinum toxin as a medication at the International Center for Neurological Restoration. This implies that improvements should be considered not to imply a significant economic burden, which will require periodic checks to ensure the maintenance of the effectiveness of the established control measures.