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An ampoule is a small, sealed container used to hold and protect a measured amount of medicine or another sterile solution. Medical ampoules are commonly made of glass, although some are made of plastic. A glass ampoule is opened by snapping its narrow neck, so it cannot be resealed. Most ampoules are intended for a single use after opening.
read more about ampoule ...Ampoules are commonly used for injectable medicines, sterile water, local anesthetics, vitamins, and other solutions that need protection from air or contamination. The sealed container preserves sterility until the package is opened. Many ampoules contain one measured dose, which reduces the need to repeatedly enter the container. The label identifies the medicine, concentration, volume, expiration date, and storage requirements.
A trained healthcare professional checks the label, moves liquid out of the neck, and protects the fingers before snapping a glass ampoule away from the body. The medication is then withdrawn without touching the open rim. Clinical protocols commonly call for a filter needle or filter device when drawing medication from a glass ampoule to reduce the chance of glass particles entering the syringe. The filter device is replaced with the appropriate administration device before the medicine is given.
An ampoule is sealed completely and must be broken or twisted open, while a vial usually has a rubber stopper that a needle can puncture. Ampoules are normally single-dose containers and cannot be closed again after opening. Vials can be single-dose or multidose, depending on their labeling and formulation. Air is generally added to a vial before withdrawal, but air is not injected into an open ampoule.
Ampoules should be inspected for cracks, leaks, discoloration, particles, or an expired label before use. They must be stored under the temperature and light conditions stated by the manufacturer. An opened ampoule should be used promptly and discarded because sterility cannot be maintained after opening. Broken glass belongs in an approved sharps container, and unused medicine should be discarded according to facility policy. Patients should not open or inject medicine from an ampoule without proper training and instructions.
No. An ampoule is sealed and opened by breaking or twisting the container, while a vial typically has a puncturable stopper and can be designed for one or several withdrawals.
An opened ampoule should not be reused. It cannot be resealed, and the remaining contents can no longer be assumed to be sterile.
No. Glass is common because it provides a strong barrier against air and contaminants, but plastic ampoules are also used for selected medicines and sterile solutions.
Opening a glass ampoule can release tiny glass particles into the solution. A filter needle or filter device helps keep those particles from being drawn into the syringe and is removed before administration.
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