From the Research
Yes, glass can contaminate the contents of an ampule upon breakage, posing a significant risk to patient safety. When an ampule breaks, small glass fragments or particles can enter the medication or solution inside, and these glass particles, even microscopic ones, can cause vascular damage, inflammation, or embolism if injected into a patient 1. To minimize this risk, healthcare professionals should use ampule breakers or alcohol swabs when opening ampules, hold the ampule with the neck pointing away from themselves and others, and always filter the medication through a filter needle (typically 5-micron) when drawing it up into a syringe 2.
Key Considerations
- The use of filter needles is essential in reducing the risk of glass particle contamination, with studies showing a significant decrease in the number of particles when filter needles are used 3.
- The size of the ampule and the method of breaking can also influence the risk of glass particle contamination, with larger ampules and certain breaking methods resulting in a higher risk of contamination 4.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risks associated with glass ampules and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of contamination, including using filtered needles and following proper breaking and handling techniques 5.
Recommendations
- Use a filter needle (typically 5-micron) when drawing up medication from a glass ampule to minimize the risk of glass particle contamination 1.
- Use ampule breakers or alcohol swabs when opening ampules to reduce the risk of glass particle contamination.
- Hold the ampule with the neck pointing away from themselves and others when breaking the ampule to prevent glass particles from entering the medication or solution.
- Replace the filter needle with an appropriate administration needle before injecting the patient to ensure patient safety.