An ampule is a small, hermetically sealed glass container designed to hold a measured, single dose of a sterile liquid or lyophilized substance, most commonly for pharmaceutical injection. The container is sealed by melting the thin glass neck, which maintains the sterility of sensitive medications but requires the neck to be broken off to access the contents. Opening an ampule presents a dual hazard: physical laceration from the sharp glass edge and potential contamination from glass shards. Following precise safety protocols is necessary to mitigate the high risk of injury and ensure the integrity of the medication.
Necessary Safety Preparation
Safe ampule opening requires preparing both the individual and the workspace to prevent accidents and contamination. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary, including disposable gloves and eye protection to shield against flying glass fragments. The work surface should be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
A designated sharps container must be immediately accessible and placed within arm’s reach for the safe disposal of sharp medical waste. Hand protection beyond standard gloves is needed to shield the fingers from the sharp edges of the fractured glass. This protection can take the form of sterile gauze, a specialized disposable ampule opener, or a reusable plastic device designed to contain the glass top during the break.
Ampule openers or gauze act as a barrier, concentrating the breaking force while separating the hand from sharp edges. The use of these protective tools is recommended to preserve the sterility of the medication.
Proper Ampule Opening Technique
Before attempting to break the glass, the liquid contents must be moved entirely into the ampule’s body. If any medication remains in the neck, gently tapping the top of the ampule or lightly flicking the neck will cause the fluid to drain down. This prevents medication loss and reduces the likelihood of it spraying when the neck is broken.
The opening technique depends on the type of ampule, which may be either pre-scored or non-scored. Pre-scored ampules, often indicated by a colored dot or ring around the neck, have an engineered point of weakness. These typically require less force to snap the neck. Non-scored ampules lack this marking and require a file or scoring device to create a small scratch around the circumference of the neck before the break.
To execute the break, the neck must be wrapped with the protective material, such as sterile gauze or a specialized opener. Grasp the body of the ampule firmly with the non-dominant hand. The key is to snap the neck quickly and decisively, pushing the neck away from the body, the face, and any sterile materials. Avoid applying lateral force, which can result in an uneven, jagged break or cause the glass to shatter. The force should be a crisp, outward bending motion at the score point to achieve a clean fracture.
Safe Handling of Broken Glass and Disposal
After the ampule’s neck has been successfully snapped, the contents must be withdrawn, which necessitates a specific safety measure. Breaking the glass, even cleanly, generates nearly invisible glass shards that can fall into the medication. Injecting a patient with medication contaminated by these particles can lead to complications such as phlebitis, pulmonary microemboli, or granulomas.
To prevent this hazard, a filter needle or filter straw must be used to draw the medication out of the ampule. These specialized devices contain a 5-micron filter designed to trap glass particles while allowing the liquid medication to pass through. The filter needle should be inserted carefully into the center of the opening, avoiding contact with the sharp, jagged rim. Once the contents are withdrawn, the filter needle must be immediately replaced with a standard administration needle before injection, as filter needles are not intended for patient administration.
The broken glass, including both the snapped-off neck and the main body of the ampule, must be disposed of immediately and correctly. Both parts are considered sharps and must be placed directly into the designated, puncture-proof sharps container. It is strictly prohibited to place broken glass ampules into standard trash receptacles.