Best Practices for Storing Essential Oils in Clinical Radiotherapy Settings

When storing essential oils in clinical radiotherapy environments, both the properties of the oils and the safety requirements of radiotherapy must be considered. Key best practices include:

1. Location Selection:

   • Store in dedicated areas away from radiation sources (e.g., treatment rooms, radiation equipment) to avoid exposure and interference.
   • Choose cool, dry, well-ventilated locations, protected from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

2. Temperature and Humidity Control:

   • Maintain stable temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F; ideal range) to prevent volatilization or degradation from heat.
   • Keep humidity below 60% to prevent moisture ingress and microbial growth.

3. Container Requirements:

   • Use dark glass bottles (e.g., amber or blue) to reduce degradation of light-sensitive oils.
   • Ensure airtight seals to prevent oxidation, evaporation, and contamination.

4. Safety Measures:

   • Store away from heat sources, open flames, and electrical equipment (essential oils are flammable); fire-resistant cabinets are recommended.
   • Adhere to clinical fire safety protocols, including accessible fire extinguishers.
   • Avoid storage in patient activity zones to minimize accidental exposure risks.

5. Hygiene and Contamination Prevention:

   • Maintain a clean, sterile storage area with regular disinfection to prevent cross-contamination.
   • Isolate from radioactive materials or chemicals to ensure oil purity.
   • Regularly inspect oils for changes (e.g., odor, color) and discard compromised products promptly.

6. Labeling and Documentation:

   • Clearly label oils with name, concentration, batch number, expiration date, and safety warnings (e.g., "flammable").
   • Maintain inventory logs to track receipt dates, usage, and shelf life.

7. Staff Training and Policies:

   • Train staff on safe storage/handling procedures, emphasizing radiotherapy-specific risks.
   • Follow institutional clinical practice guidelines and periodically review/update storage protocols.

8. Regulatory Compliance:

   • Adhere to local health regulations, radiation safety standards (e.g., NRC or equivalent), and hospital policies.
   • Conduct regular audits to ensure alignment with industry standards (e.g., ISO or GMP requirements).