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Psychology, family and everyday life

Body fluids: precautions at home

For a few days after chemotherapy, traces of the medicines can leave the body in urine, stool, vomit, sweat and other fluids. Simple rules protect your family. The time depends on the medicine; ask your team.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Blue disposable gloves on a white surface
Figure 1.Wear gloves when handling body fluids

01Short answer

After using the toilet, close the lid and flush; flush twice if your team advises it. Wash your hands with soap. Clean surfaces soiled with vomit or urine wearing disposable gloves, then wash with soapy water. Throw soiled cloths and wipes away in a tied bag. Wash soiled clothes separately (“Soiled clothing: washing it safely”). Pregnant family members should not do these jobs. Use a condom during sex for the period your team gives. Keep children and pets away from the toilet.

02Simple explanation

Close the lid.

Clean up with gloves.

Clothes: separately.

How long: ask.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: traces of chemotherapy can remain in body fluids for a time; precautions for family members should be discussed with your team.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Elimination

Medicines leave through the kidneys and bowel.

Family

Precautions protect the people caring for you.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
EliminationMedicines leave through the kidneys and bowel.
FamilyPrecautions protect the people caring for you.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Body fluids
Urine, stool, vomit, sweat, semen and vaginal fluids.
Disposable gloves
Gloves used once.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Close it.
  • Wear gloves.
  • Ask.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I hug my family?

Yes; hugging and kissing are usually safe.

Do I need separate dishes?

Usually not; normal washing is enough. Ask your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I hug my family?

  2. Do I need separate dishes?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. American Cancer Society. Mental Health and Distress
  7. American Cancer Society. Therapy, Counseling, and Support Resources for People with Cancer
  8. NCCN Guidelines for Patients. Distress During Cancer Care
  9. Cancer Research UK. Mental health and cancer
  10. Lancet Oncology, 2011. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder in oncological, haematological, and palliative-care settings: a meta-analysis of 94 interview-based studies
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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