Drawing medication from a vial involves transferring a liquid drug from its sealed container into a syringe. This procedure requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols to ensure accuracy and prevent contamination. This guide outlines the necessary steps to safely and effectively draw medication from a vial.
Gathering Necessary Supplies
Gathering all required supplies is the first step. These include:
A syringe, selected for its appropriate volume, and a needle, chosen for its specific gauge and length.
The medication vial.
Alcohol wipes for sterilization of surfaces and vial stoppers.
Clean gloves to provide a barrier against contamination.
A sharps container for the immediate disposal of used needles and syringes.
Preparing for Medication Withdrawal
Begin by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to minimize germ transfer.
Next, inspect the medication vial, confirming the drug name, concentration, and expiration date. Observe the liquid for any discoloration or particulate matter; if present, do not use the medication.
Remove the protective cap from the vial to expose the rubber stopper. Use a new alcohol wipe to clean the rubber stopper for at least 15 seconds, allowing it to air dry completely to ensure sterility. Finally, prepare the syringe by removing its cap and ensuring the plunger moves freely.
The Medication Drawing Process
The initial step in drawing medication involves preparing the syringe by pulling the plunger back to the line corresponding to the desired medication dose. This action draws an equal volume of air into the syringe. Next, insert the needle directly through the center of the cleaned rubber stopper on the vial, ensuring the needle remains straight to avoid bending. Once the needle is inside, push the plunger to inject the air from the syringe into the vial. This injection of air equalizes the pressure inside the vial, preventing a vacuum from forming as medication is withdrawn, which makes it easier to draw the liquid.
After injecting the air, carefully invert the vial, ensuring the needle tip remains submerged within the liquid medication. Slowly pull back the syringe plunger to draw the medication into the syringe, filling it to the prescribed dose. This slow, controlled movement helps prevent the formation of air bubbles within the syringe.
If air bubbles appear, gently tap the side of the syringe barrel with a finger, allowing the bubbles to rise to the top. Once the bubbles have collected at the top, slowly push the plunger just enough to expel the air back into the vial, then readjust the plunger to the correct dosage. After the precise dose is obtained and air bubbles are removed, carefully withdraw the needle from the vial, being careful not to touch the needle tip. If the needle needs to be recapped before immediate use, employ the one-handed scoop method by placing the cap on a flat surface and scooping the needle into it without using the other hand.
Safe Disposal and Follow-Up
Immediately after drawing the medication, safely dispose of all used sharps to prevent accidental needle-stick injuries. Place the used needle and syringe directly into a designated, puncture-resistant sharps container. These containers are designed to safely contain sharp waste and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Do not attempt to recap the needle using both hands, as this significantly increases the risk of injury.
Once the sharps container is three-quarters full, seal it and prepare for proper disposal according to local guidelines, which may include designated drop-off locations or mail-back programs. Never dispose of needles or syringes in regular trash or recycling bins, as this poses a serious health risk to sanitation workers and others. Proper storage of the medication, if not for immediate use, should follow manufacturer guidelines, often requiring refrigeration. Documenting the medication preparation, including the drug name, dose, and time, is also a good practice for record-keeping.