A vial is a small glass or plastic container designed to hold liquid or powdered substances, most often for injection. The opening is sealed with a rubber stopper, which is secured by an aluminum crimp cap, often featuring a protective plastic flip-off top. The integrity of this closure system is paramount because the contents must remain sterile and free from contamination. Accessing the contents requires precise technique to maintain sterility and prevent the introduction of foreign matter or microbes. Following specific steps ensures the safety of the user and the integrity of the substance inside.
Essential Safety and Preparation Steps
The process begins by establishing a clean and organized workspace. Proper hand hygiene, such as a thorough hand wash or the use of an alcohol-based rub, must be performed first. Gather all required materials, including the correct syringe and needle, any necessary diluents, sterile alcohol wipes, and a dedicated, puncture-proof sharps disposal container.
Before proceeding, an inspection of the vial itself is necessary to confirm its suitability for use. Check the expiration date, and visually examine the contents for any cloudiness, discoloration, or particulate matter that would suggest degradation or contamination. The glass body of the vial should also be inspected for cracks or damage that might compromise the seal and sterility.
Opening the Standard Crimp-Sealed Vial
After confirming the vial’s integrity, the first physical step is the removal of the protective plastic flip-off cap. This cap is designed to shield the rubber stopper from dust and physical contaminants, but it does not guarantee the sterility of the stopper’s surface underneath. Once the cap is removed, the exposed rubber stopper, also known as the septum, must be disinfected with a sterile 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe.
The stopper should be vigorously scrubbed with friction for a minimum of 30 seconds to ensure the alcohol’s germicidal action is effective. Allow the alcohol to completely air dry, as the bactericidal function is only fully accomplished during the evaporation process. Blowing or fanning the stopper is avoided because it can reintroduce airborne contaminants.
Once the stopper is dry, the technique for needle insertion is paramount to prevent a phenomenon known as “coring.” Coring occurs when the beveled tip of the needle shears a small piece of the rubber stopper, which can then fall into the vial contents. To minimize this risk, the needle should be inserted at an angle, typically between 45 and 60 degrees, with the bevel facing upward and away from the rubber.
Applying light pressure, the angle is smoothly and continuously increased until the needle is at a 90-degree angle just as the bevel passes entirely through the stopper. This specialized technique pushes the rubber aside rather than cutting it. Before withdrawing any liquid, an equivalent volume of air must be injected into the vial to prevent the creation of a vacuum, which makes drawing the fluid difficult.
The air should be injected into the airspace above the liquid to prevent bubbling and splatter. The vial should be stabilized with the non-dominant hand during this process. If a multi-dose vial is accessed again, subsequent punctures should be made in a slightly different location to avoid further widening the initial entry point.
Safe Disposal and Handling of Materials
Once the desired contents have been successfully drawn from the vial, immediately place the used needle and syringe into a designated sharps disposal container. These rigid, puncture-resistant receptacles prevent accidental needle-stick injuries to users and waste handlers.
The container should never be filled past the designated line, which is typically about three-quarters full, to prevent overfilling and the risk of injury when sealing. Loose needles or syringes should never be thrown into the regular trash or recycling. If the vial is a multi-dose container with residual contents, it must be properly labeled with the date of first use and stored according to manufacturer guidelines.
Empty vials should be discarded following local regulations for non-sharps medical waste. The entire work area should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any potential spills or contaminants.